Vainieri Huttle Bill to Create “We Support the Arts” License Plate Advanced by Assembly Panel

(TRENTON) – In an effort to promote and fund New Jersey’s art projects, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle sponsored legislation to create a “We Support the Arts” license plate and designate a fund for the proceeds to support New Jersey art initiatives. The bill was advanced Thursday by the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.

“This is a great way for residents to celebrate and support the arts in New Jersey,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Creating a revenue stream solely dedicated to funding art initiatives would help strengthen the arts community as well as downtown business districts and making art and cultural events more accessible to New Jersey families.”

The bill (A-3329) would authorize a support-the-arts license plate with proceeds to go to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The design of the license plate would be chosen by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) after conducting a statewide contest. The design would include the slogan “We Support the Arts.”

As with current specialty license plates, there will be an initial $50 fee in addition to the registration fees required by law, with a $10 annual fee in addition to the renewal fees required by law. The monies raised, after reimbursement to the MVC, would be deposited into the “Support the Arts Fund,” also established by this bill.

The bill now heads to the Speaker’s desk for further consideration.