Coming soon to a DMV near you? Vegas Golden Knights license plates

CARSON CITY — Supporters of the Vegas Golden Knights could soon show their pride with a special Nevada license plate.

Senate Bill 283 would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to design a plate that shows support for the National Hockey League’s newest franchise, which will kick off its inaugural season this fall.

State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Kelvin Atkinson, D-North Las Vegas, presented the bill Thursday to the Senate Committee on Transportation. He said the team has indicated it would pay for production of the license plates.

The bill would exempt Vegas Golden Knights plates from requirements other Nevada specialty plates must follow, such as imposing a special annual fee that typically goes to nonprofit groups supporting causes displayed on the plates.

The new plates also would not have to ensure a minimum number of plates or wait in line behind other proposals that are pending approval.

Atkinson, who has not supported special license plate legislation in the past, drew ribbing from his colleagues for his support of SB283.

“I have not been in favor of special license plates throughout the years … However, in the spirit of what I think others would appreciate, I do think our city is excited. Our state is excited,” he said.

Atkinson also said he would likely support a plate supporting the National Football League’s Raiders, which won approval Monday from team owners to move from Oakland to Las Vegas.

No action was taken by the committee.

Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3821. Follow @SandraChereb on Twitter.