Press Release Says, Alaska Senate Passes Bill to Provide Special Iditarod Finisher License Plates

(JUNEAU) – While mushers and dogs race across Alaska towards Nome, the State Senate today passed a bill that would create special license plates for people who are official finishers of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

“The incredible men and women who run the Iditarod are the symbol of the strength and spirit of our state, and I am pleased that my fellow Senators join me in honoring them,” said Senator Charlie Huggins (R-Mat-Su), sponsor of the legislation. “Now in its 37th year, ‘the last great race’ and the more than 600 hearty souls who have finished this grueling competition deserve special recognition.”

Senate Bill 50 would allow Iditarod finishers, upon proving that they have finished the race, to get a special “Iditarod finisher” license plate for $50. Presently, there are specialty plates for National Guard members, military veterans, Purple Heart recipients and custom collector vehicles.

Senator Huggins, whose district includes the starting line of the Iditarod in Willow, thanked Senator Donny Olson, from Nome, where the thousand-mile race ends every year, for his comments during discussion of SB 50 on the Senate Floor.

“The Iditarod has a seen a lot of great competitors over the years, including my favorite, Herbie Nayokpuk, the legendary Shishmaref Cannonball, who was a personal friend of mine,” said Olson (D-Nome). “These special license plates are a great way to remind people of the importance of this race to all Alaskans, and to remember the 1925 serum run that inspired it, which saved the lives of so many people in Nome.”

The Senate unanimously passed SB 50 today, and it will go next to the State House for its consideration. “I am confident that my colleagues in the House will follow the Senate’s lead, and move this bill through the process quickly,” said Senator Huggins. “A lot of folks who have run the race have expressed enthusiasm about getting one of these license plates, which highlights the pride Alaskans have for the Iditarod and the state as a whole.”