Lawmaker proposes license plate contest for artists

Sitka Democrat Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has pre-filed a bill that would invite artists to design an original Alaskan license plate. (KCAW photo)
Sitka Democrat Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has pre-filed a bill that would invite artists to design an original Alaskan license plate. (KCAW photo)

An Alaska lawmaker says a contest among artists to design a specialty license plate in Alaska could have the excitement of “American Idol.”

Democratic Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins of Sitka has introduced a bill to open up a contest for artists to design a special-issue, limited run plate to commemorate the arts.

Kreiss-Tomkins envisions the plates becoming collector’s items because the plate would only be produced for four years, and then the competition would start all over again for the next plate.

The bill proposes that a portion of the revenues, after costs, would help support programs benefiting the arts.

The bill, HB 217, is scheduled for a hearing Monday morning before the House State Affairs Committee.

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