Florida's legislature is carrying the debate over specialty license plates to a new level. It is considering a bill that would authorize a number of new specialty plates, including one reading "I Believe" and featuring a Christian cross and a stained glass window. The AP reports that the added fee for the I Believe plate would benefit Faith in Teaching Inc., a non-profit that supports faith-based schools activities. The bill would also provide for an "In God We Trust" plate to benefit the children of deceased soldiers and law enforcement officers. Florida already offers over 100 specialty plates. If the "I Believe" plate is approved, it will be the first in any state that features a religious symbol (other than religious symbols in a college logo).
UPDATE: On April 29, the Florida legislature passed and sent to the governor S734 which provides for 4 new specialty license plates, including an "In God we Trust" plate. However the bill does not include the "I Believe" plate. Nevertheless, according to AP, now the South Carolina legislature is considering an "I Believe" specialty plate. It received key SC state senate approval on Tuesday.
