Potential fiscal fight removed from 'In God We Trust' license plate bill

SALT LAKE CITY — A new version of a bill creating "In God We Trust" license plates removes the potential for fighting over revenue the new tags would bring in.

Under Sen. Todd Weiler's changes to HB34, there won't be any money to divvy up. Rather than requiring an annual fee, the bill now calls for a one-time $25 fee, which would go to making the plates.

The original bill earmarked the annual proceeds for programs that “support educational and community events that celebrate, teach or honor families, freedom, God and country.”

America's Freedom Festival at Provo launched the initiative for the special plate, and about 200 people signed up for the new plate through it's efforts.

But Weiler said other cities that hold annual festivals, including West Valley City and Orem, complained it was unfair for one organization to lay claim to funds. The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah also found it problematic for the state to decide which community festivals promote God, he said.

"By not distributing any money, it takes away both those arguments against the bill," the Woods Cross Republican said.

Should the bill pass, the plates would be available starting November.

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