A free specialized plate proposed for firefighters and emergency responders was intended to be free for the duration of an individual’s volunteer service, not just for the first year, according to an opinion just issued by Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.
The opinion was sought by Senate Transportation Committee Member David Rust, R-Tioga, and House Transportation Committee Chairman Dan Ruby after questions were raised during the 2019 biennium related to implementing Measure 4, approved by voters in 2018.
Rust said the House first proposed an amendment limiting free registration to only the first year, saying that the measure was unclear. The Senate, meanwhile, decided to take the measure out, which led the two chambers to seek the Attorney General’s opinion on the intent of the bill.
Rust said he was pleased with the outcome, and that the opinion clarifies the matter for everyone involved.