ATLANTA -- The football rivalry between Georgia and Florida spilled over to the statehouse today as the Georgia House voted to rein in vanity plates promoting the state's longtime football nemesis.
The House measure would allow the state to only issue special prestige alumni plates for states that do the same for graduates of Georgia schools -- a directive targeted at the University of Florida and other rivals.
The bill's sponsor, Representative Barry Fleming, said whatever's good for the goose is good for the gander. He added, ``Whatever we allow here in Georgia would have to be allowed in other states. This bill solves a lot of problems.''
Department of Revenue spokesman Charles Willey said Georgia currently issues plates for Clemson University in South Carolina, Auburn University in Alabama and, as of this month, the University of Florida. None of those states return the favor.
The proposal, which passed 142-10, would require reciprocity that could prevent state officials from issuing new Florida tags. Residents who already have their vanity plates would lose them when they need to be replaced, unless an agreement is hashed out.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where it enjoys the support of the chamber's leaders.
On the Net:
House Bill 1165: http://www.legis.ga.gov
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Wednesday
October 23rd, 2024
8:29PM
