Idaho already has more than 75 options for special license plates, from breast cancer awareness to snow skier to historic preservation to "Support Our Troops." Today, legislation was introduced to add another one, to benefit the Idaho Aviation Foundation. Rep. Joe Palmer, R-Meridian, who is a pilot, said the foundation works to improve access at backcountry airstrips in Idaho, which in many cases are the only way to access big swaths of the state other than hiking in on foot or riding in on horseback. Among the group's efforts have been bringing disabled veterans to the backcountry by flying them in to the airstrips. The plates, as envisioned, would include the slogan "Fly Idaho," and may also add the slogan, "Pilot's Paradise."

Rep. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said, "In 12 years I've never voted for one, but I told him I like his purpose on this, so he thinks he's going to break my record." Smith noted that though he's routinely voted against specialty plates, "Every one of 'em passed." He said, "If they sell enough plates, they put a little money toward whatever foundation it is, and that's a good thing."

His committee voted today to introduce the bill, the first special plate of this session. Last year, lawmakers created specialty plates for mountain biking and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness; the previous year, they added four plates, the “Gold Star Family” license plate for families who’ve lost a member in combat; one for Idaho Freemasons, or Shriners; one backing education for youngsters about earth science and lapidary, which refers to the art of cutting gem stones; and one to recognize commercial innovation.

Most of Idaho’s special license plates are fundraisers for various causes, from the state Fish and Game Department (elk and bluebird plates) to the Boy Scouts and Special Olympics plates. Others recognize and promote industries, from timber to agriculture; tout Idaho’s sporting attractions, from white water to snowmobiling; or display the driver’s affiliation, with everything from colleges or universities to the National Rifle Association. There’s one for recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor; one for members of the House or Senate; one commemorating Idaho Basques; and one promoting “Historic Lewiston.”