(Bannock County Press Release, March 3, 2026; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)
The first months of the year have zipped by. While we didn’t see the typical weather, we did see more of the common slow-down of patronage. This did not mean that our team wasn’t busy. They were able to keep up amazingly with our dealer and financial institution partners business, even when illness and other things left us short staffed. We are so thankful to our team for working together to make sure that all patronage and business needs are met.
The state released the redesigned Timber plate in January. Previously, this plate was a light off white background with a graphic of trees in the far back left corner and gentleman in the front left corner planting a seedling. The new graphic is a stunning artist rendering of a landscape of Idaho forests, in deep blues and greens, and promotes a powerful message of: “Forests Forever. Manage. Harvest. Plant. Repeat.” Funds from this program plate still go to the Idaho Department of Lands fund, which supports forestry education, reforestation projects, wildfire prevention, and programs like Project Learning Tree. The funds are used to promote sustainable forestry practices on public and private lands.
We’re following many legislative bills that would result in changes to this office if they are passed and signed into law.
Conversation on HB533 has been heavy with our staff and patrons, as our legislators decide on whether to continue the issuance of registration decal stickers. As of 02/27/26, this bill has passed both the House and Senate and is being forwarded to the Governor’s desk for signature.
In addition to this bill, HB629 would implement electronic registration copies being available and acceptable.
The other one being closely watched is HB577, which would do away with replacement metal plates being issued every 10 years, and allow for them to be replaced when necessary.
We do have a few others that involve new plates, and redesigns or changes in receiving programs that we will cover with you next month, as we get more information.
