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Secular Coalition’s censorious sledgehammer smashes free speech
It doesn’t take a great deal of sophistication, expertise, or vision to destroy somebody else’s work. Like a sledgehammer on demolition day, it doesn’t take much to damage the reputation of a company, group, or public figure. Often a false accusation will do the job, especially in this social-media age.
Specialty license plates raised $6.5M for charities, groups
State officials say Arizona issued nearly 390,000 specialty license plates in 2015, raising more than $6.5 million for charities and nonprofits.
By the numbers: Arizona license plates
Special license plates are a constant source of legislation and discussion at the Arizona Legislature, whether bills are sponsored to repeal plates, normalize designs or introduce new ones. Here’s a numerical look at the plates themselves and the legislation they’ve inspired.
Brewer approves Arizona license plate for teachers
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed a bill approving a license plate that would raise money for public school teachers.
Specialty license plates run amok
If a cactus and sunset don’t suit a driver, Arizonans can now opt for one of the 49 specialty plates when they register their cars.
But some call the numerous specialty plates, including the ironic Tea Party plate and one for the embattled Phoenix Coyotes, a threat to public safety and private groups using the government to pad their bottom lines.
Legislators want a little bit more on their plates
The Arizona Legislature has had its share of the trivial to pursue. Take the 1985 effort to pre-test legislative candidates on reading and IQ, which would have then posted the results on the ballot. Or how about the bill that would have required candidates for the Legislature to take a drug test? But if Arizona legislators love anything, it's license plates.
House approves bill to help fund childhood cancer research
A bill amended to help fund research into childhood diseases is headed for the 9th Floor after the House approved the measure in a 39-12 vote June 26. The bill, S1017, expands the list of special license plates to include a "childhood cancer research plate."
Senate panel rejects bill to eliminate fines for obscured license plates
A Senate panel has rejected a measure that would allow motorists whose license plates are obscured to avoid paying a fine if caught. Last year, lawmakers passed a state law to prohibit the obstruction of the name of the state on Arizona license plates. Violating the law is a civil offense and carries a fine of $110 to $200.
