Former state legislators in the Hoosier State nearly received special license plates under a bill considered by the General Assembly — but it’s only the latest bill conferring special privileges on legislators. Indiana already issues special plates to current members and spouses of the General Assembly. Delaware House Bill 85 (2023), for example, created “retired state legislator” plates for former lawmakers who served at least 10 years. A slightly older South Carolina measure, House Bill 4973 (2018), expanded former lawmakers’ eligibility for special plates and allowed qualifying former members to receive two plates. Proponents claim that special license plates for former legislators honor public service, but such measures elevate politicians to a status above that of ordinary citizens.