Maniacs license plate bill killed on 35-35 tie in House, but reconsideration pending
The House at first killed legislation to create a special license plate to benefit Orofino schools honoring the Orofino High School mascot – the Maniacs – on a 35-35 tied vote today. But then, after two more bills had passed, Rep. Pete Nielsen, R-Mountain Home, asked permission to change his vote on the Maniacs bill, HB 413a, which takes unanimous consent. House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewistion, objected. Nielsen then moved for reconsideration of the vote, prompting a halt in House proceedings as lawmakers from both parties huddled and reviewed rules.
Only someone who has voted on the prevailing side can request reconsideration, which means a do-over of the entire vote the same day. Nielsen had voted “no,” so he was on the prevailing side in the tie vote – because tie votes fail. After the break, House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, told Nielsen, “Sir, your notice is duly accepted.” He said, “We’ll take up that motion to reconsider, and if it passes, we’ll take up the bill again.” Bedke added, “We will take it up today.”
Opponents said the mascot, whose name was removed from the bill through an amendment, is derogatory to people with mental illnesses; Orofino is home to State Hospital North, the state mental hospital.
“Our mascot has nothing to do with the hospital,” said Rep. Carolyn Nilsson Troy, R-Genesee, a 1979 graduate of Orofino High.
Rep. Paul Shepherd, R-Riggins, sponsor of the bill, said the mascot is “a symbol of unbridled enthusiasm.” He said Orofino schools have struggled financially and are on a four-day school week; they want the license plate to help raise money for the schools.
Rusche asked, “What does this say about Idaho? Is this what we’ve come to … to support our public schools?” Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, said people who struggle with mental illness have told lawmakers the image is derogatory toward them. “This actually puts the state seal of approval and sends a message to people with mental health struggles and disorders that we have not heard them,” she said.
Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, said, “I think this is no way to fund education. … Some people say that education is a ‘black hole’ for our money, but if you ask the people in Orofino, they want this money. … We need to fully fund education. … This is not the way to fund it.”
