Committee approves license-plate bill celebrating Lake Superior agate

Senate File 54374 would authorize a state park license plate that specifically celebrates the North Shore and the Lake Superior agate, Minnesota's state gemstone.

A Shoreview resident and small-business co-owner who identified themself as a lifelong agate enthusiast urged the committee to support the bill, noting precedent for featuring state symbols on license plates. DNR staff said the bill aligns with a DNR license-plate contest established in 2024 and that the measure provides creative guidance for the design process. The sponsor offered an amendment that set selection deadlines and required that plate design be created by a Minnesota resident; the committee adopted the amendment.

Assistant Commissioner Bachmeier (DNR) said the language clarifies the current contest process and renews the design-selection process. The sponsor noted a companion House bill had passed committee and that the DNR supports the measure.

Committee action: the committee adopted the sponsor's amendment and recommended the bill as amended to pass.

Next steps: the bill will proceed through the legislative process with the committee's recommendation.