Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 235 establishes a new specialty license plate in Idaho called the “An Appeal to Heaven” plate, inspired by the flag flown on George Washington’s naval cruisers during the Revolutionary War. The plate’s design will replicate the image used on the U.S. Postal Service’s 1968 six-cent stamp, featuring a pine tree, the words “AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN” along the bottom, and “IDAHO” at the top.

Key features of the bill:

• Applies to standard vehicles registered under Section 49-402, Idaho Code (excluding those over 26,000 pounds).
• Costs $35 for initial issuance and $25 annually thereafter, with proceeds going to the State Highway Account to fund plate design and program administration.
• Allows sample plates to be purchased for $15.
• Exempts this specialty plate from the usual prequalification and sunset requirements for new plate programs under Section 49-402D.
• Becomes effective July 1, 2025, with plates available beginning January 1, 2026.

Reason for Rating:

H0235 earns a +1 for its promotion of heritage, patriotism, and voluntary civic expression—principles strongly aligned with the Idaho Republican Party Platform. It allows citizens to display an historic American symbol tied to natural rights, limited government, and appeals to divine justice, all central to the founding ethos. The program is opt-in, revenue-positive, and doesn’t expand government regulation or entitlements.