Controversial License Plate Bill Passes

A controversial license plate bill passed in the Nebraska Legislature Monday morning. 

The bill, created by Senator Dan Watermeier of Syracuse, proposed creating 'Choose Life' license plates. 

The bill passed with a 35-5 vote after a filibuster attempt by Senator Ernie Chambers failed. 

Sen. Chambers had previously tried twice to filibuster the bill, arguing that plates should not support one particular political viewpoint. 

Lawmakers ended his filibuster Monday with a 35-6 vote, just as they had with his other attempts to stop the bill.

Chambers wasn't the only senator who spoke out against the plate though. 

Senator Patty Pansing-Brooks said the state should not allow political speech on license plates. "We are choosing to spend the state's dollars on state-sponsored controversial speech."

It now goes to the desk of Governor Pete Ricketts, who is expected to sign it. 

If Ricketts approves it, the plates would be available January 1st of 2018. 

The 'Choose Life' plate will cost an extra $5 for regular plates and an extra $30 for personalized plates, with the funds going to the Nebraska Child Abuse Prevention Fund.


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