Senate endorses 'In God We Trust' plates

It may sound like a prayer for survival on roads, but both chambers of the Legislature have now endorsed giving Utahns the option to order license plates with the motto, "In God We Trust."

The Senate voted 27-0 Friday to endorse HB34. But because it was amended, it was sent back to the House for a final vote. The House had passed an earlier version of it on a 64-9 vote.

The idea for the plates came from 11-year-old Tate Christensen of Salt Lake City. He has collected license plates from all 50 states, and did research showing that 12 other states offer specialty plates with the "In God We Trust" motto — but not Utah.

The bill originally called for a $25 annual fee for the plates, with proceeds going to groups that hold July Fourth celebrations, with at least 20 events, that honor family and god. Some lawmakers complained that only America's Freedom Festival in Provo would likely qualify for that funding.

Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, stripped out of the bill the requirement for the extra annual fee and creation of the fund for community groups, and instead will offer the plates for a one-time $25 fee. He said that removed all opposition to the bill.