Hearing on specialty plates delayed

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana House Transportation Committee has delayed a hearing on a bill that would place new limits on specialty license plates.

Rep. Ed Soliday's proposal would create an eight-member bipartisan panel to review requests from nonprofit groups and universities for specialty plates. The Valparaiso Republican says state roads are crowded with so many different plates that it's difficult for police to identify vehicles.

Soliday delayed a hearing Wednesday to review amendments filed to the bill.

Soliday led an effort last year to limit specialty plates, but the effort was derailed amid a push from social conservatives to revoke plates issued by the Indianapolis Youth Group. The group counsels gay youths.

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles determined the group broke its contract with the state by auctioning low-numbered plates.