North Dakota committee approves amended bill for new black license plates

The North Dakota House Transportation Committee convened on March 7, 2025, to discuss several legislative bills, including a contentious proposal regarding the design of state license plates. The meeting, which lasted from 8:55 AM to 11:20 AM, featured a range of opinions on the proposed changes.

The primary focus of the discussion was Senate Bill 2133, which aimed to introduce new color options for license plates, including a black plate. Representative Casper expressed strong opposition to the bill, arguing that the introduction of multiple colors would detract from the state's identity and pride in its traditional license plates. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a recognizable state symbol, stating, "Pretty soon we're gonna have 90 different colors of license plates in our state."

In response to concerns about the financial implications of the new plates, Representative Koppelman provided details on the cost structure. He explained that each plate would incur a $10 fee annually, generating revenue for the state. He noted that the initial production costs might be slightly higher, but the long-term financial benefits would outweigh these expenses. The revenue generated from the plates would contribute to the highway distribution fund, which supports road maintenance and infrastructure.

Despite the financial rationale, several committee members, including Representative Schatz, echoed Casper's sentiments, expressing a preference for the existing plate design. Schatz remarked on the potential confusion that could arise from having multiple plate colors, suggesting that it might complicate identification.

After a series of discussions and amendments, the committee voted on the bill. The motion to amend the bill passed with a vote of 10 to 4. Following this, a motion for a due pass as amended was made by Representative Dressler and seconded by Representative Koppelman. The final vote on the motion resulted in a 11 to 3 approval, allowing the bill to proceed.

The meeting concluded with the chairman acknowledging the committee's productivity, having addressed 11 bills over the course of two days. Looking ahead, the committee is scheduled to hear five more bills the following Thursday, with plans to continue their work into the next week if necessary.