Kansas City Chiefs license plates could become a reality
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansans might be getting some new distinctive license plates thanks to new legislation introduced this year.
Several pieces of legislation have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature in 2024 regarding new license plates for locals to choose from. These include a Kansas City Chiefs design, a historical plate design along with another meant for members of the military in Kansas.
License plate fever struck many Kansas residents last year following the release of a controversial state license plate ridiculed by some for bearing ‘Mizzou colors.’ Governor Laura Kelly responded to the backlash by putting up five new license plate designs for a public vote.
Kansans cast nearly 270,000 votes for the new design, finally landing on a winner on Dec. 18. The contest resulted in some Kansans putting up their own, unique designs with one going viral on social media.
In 2023, lawmakers passed two bills to allow new distinctive license plate designs in Kansas. These included a City of Topeka and “Back the Blue” license plates.
Kansas City Chiefs License Plate
Introduced to the Kansas Senate on Thursday, Jan. 18, Senate Bill 359 seeks to establish the Kansas City Chiefs distinctive license plate. Language in the bill states that motor vehicle owners can register for the license plate on and after Jan. 1, 2025 if the bill is passed as it is.
The bill gives the Kansas City Chiefs football club, Inc., the ability to authorize the use of the organization’s logo to be placed on license plates. The cost attributed to these license plates will not be less than $25 or more than $100 as determined by the Kansas City Chiefs Football Club, Inc.
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1st Infantry Division License Plate
Brought forward in the Kansas House on Jan. 8, House Bill 2482 seeks to establish a distinctive license plate for the 1st Infantry Division, also known as “The Big Red One.” These license plates would be available on and after Jan. 1, 2025 to Kansas residents who are currently serving in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley or who have been honorably discharged from the unit after serving for at least nine months.
Those who meet the qualifications can request the license plate be printed to show veteran or retired member status of the 1st Infantry Division or Fort Riley garrison. These license plates will be discontinued if not enough are applied for and distributed following their approval in Kansas law. These plates will be subject to a $40 special plate application fee.
First City of Kansas License Plate
House Bill 2498 was introduced to the Kansas Legislature on Jan. 12 and establishes the creation of the first city of Kansas distinctive license plate. This will be available to Kansas residents on and after Jan. 1, 2025.
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The bill authorizes the Leavenworth County Historical Society to use it’s logo on license plates, according to language in the bill. Motor vehicle owners or lessees may apply annually to the historical society for use of the logo to the tune of a $40 fee paid to the historical society or county treasurer.
Armed Services Occupation Medal License Plate
House Bill 2558, introduced on Jan. 22, seeks to create a specialized license plate for anyone who is a Kansas resident and recipient of the Army of Occupation medal or the Navy Occupation Service medal. This will be available to applicants on and after Jan. 1, 2025.
A total of 100 orders for this license plate must be received under the bill’s language for manufacturing and issuance to take place. The Kansas director of vehicles can also discontinue the issuance of these plates under certain conditions such as if fewer than 250 plates, along with annual renewals, are issued by the end of the second years of sales.
Delta Waterfowl License Plate
The Delta Waterfowl distinctive license plate bill was introduced on Jan. 12 as House Bill 2500. These plates will be available to Kansas motor vehicle owners, if passed successfully, on and after Jan. 1, 2025. HB 2500 authorizes the Board of Directors of Delta Waterfowl to use the organization’s logo on license plates in Kansas.
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A $40 special plate application fee will apply to this along with a $40 personalized plate application fee if the applicant chose to personalize the plate. These fees will be payed to either Delta Waterfowl or the county treasurer.
Sedgwick County Zoo License Plate
This bill was introduced in the Kansas Senate on Jan. 11 and creates the Sedgwick County Zoo distinctive license plate. Senate Bill 342, if passed successfully, would incur a $40 special plate application fee and an additional $40 fee for those who apply for a personalized plate.
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These plates will become available to Kansas residents starting on Jan. 1, 2025, according to language in the bill. The plates will be issued by the Sedgwick County Zoological Society with fees paid to the zoological society or the county treasurer.
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