Gerou’s Bill Helps Disabled Communities Receive Funding Through New Customized License Plates

DENVER – State Rep. Cheri Gerou’s bill to help those in Colorado with disabilities was signed into law by the governor this week.

House Bill 1216 creates the “Laura Hershey Disability-Benefit Support Act,” which uses the profits from the sales of uniquely valuable license plate numbers in the state of Colorado to benefit The Laura Hershey Memorial Disability Benefits Support Program.  This program provides education, direct assistance and advocacy to those who are eligible for federal and state programs related to disabilities.

“It was an honor for me to sponsor this bill and work with such passionate and dedicated individuals,” said Gerou, R-Evergreen.  “Not only does the bill fund the disability benefit support program but it does it without costing the taxpayers anything.”

Until now, the sale of uniquely valuable license plate numbers was only available in Delaware, Massachusetts, and Texas. Recent sales of license plate numbers have typically included low-digit or personalized license plate combinations.  Previously, Colorado allowed personalized license plates in combinations of two to seven letters and numbers.  

“The broad coalition of organizations and people involved made it clear that this was something that needed to be done,” said Gerou.

House Bill 1216’s co-sponsor is Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, and Sen. Irene Aguilar, D-Denver.  The bill passed unanimously in the House and with wide bipartisan support in the Senate.  This bill went into effect on April 26, 2011.

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