South Carolina NASCAR License Plate: Special plate on tap. A license plate saluting NASCAR will soon be available in South Carolina. Gov. Jim Hodges signed legislation Sunday before the Southern 500 authorizing the plate that officials anticipate being on sale by Darlingtons race next spring, if not before.(The State) AND Hodges signed a law creating specialty S.C. license plates with messages ranging from NASCAR to “Choose Life.” Planned Parenthood has said it would sue if the bill, created in part by racing superstar Jeff Burton, was approved by Hodges, a Democrat. The organization has said the law is discriminatory because it forbids any of the proceeds going to groups that provide information on abortions. Money from the Choose Life design would support private, nonprofit crisis pregnancy programs that work to curb abortions with shelter, food, clothing, education, medical care and adoption services. The money is distributed through Department of Social Services grants to facilities that do not offer or promote abortions. The plates will cost $70 for two years. Vehicle owners can choose a NASCAR-themed license or one that says “Choose Life.” Half of the money from license plate sales will go to the 19 locations of the S.C. Children’s Emergency Shelter. Burton’s wife, Kim, is on the shelter’s board and Burton pushed the license plate idea. The rest of the money is split between promoting sports tourism in South Carolina and improving highway safety(Myrtle Beach Sun News)(9-3-2001)
