LANSING—For years, people have expressed their religious beliefs through public displays such as bumper stickers, jewelry, even tattoos—but what about a license plate?

Under pending legislation, motorists may soon be able to order a specialized plate that proclaims “In God We Trust.”

The bill by Sen. Cameron Brown, R-Fawn River Township, would add it to the list of state-sponsored specialty plates, all of which have been created for fund-raising. Current law prohibits the Secretary of State from offering more than eight fund-raising specialty plates at a time, a limit that the bill would change.

In 2006, Indiana passed a similar law and began mass production of “In God We Trust” plates, with one big difference—it doesn’t carry any additional charge, unlike the state’s other fund-raising plates that require a $25 fee.

Brown said the idea was inspired by Indiana’s plates. His southwestern Michigan district is on the state border and he sees them every day while driving.

“It’s a very appropriate statement to make in this day and age,” he said. “There’s nothing more inspirational to an American than our national motto and our flag—the Indiana plate combines both.”

Currently, there is other competing legislation for specialty plates for other causes including the arts, breast cancer, nursing and Habitat for Humanity.

Unlike the current eight fund-raising plates, the “In God We Trust” plate wouldn’t be used to raise funds for any particular cause or group. Instead, the proceeds would go into the state’s general treasury.

The current specialty plates include wildlife habitat, children’s protection, lighthouse preservation, water quality, agricultural heritage and veteran’s memorial.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Sens. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores; Michelle McManus, R-Lake Leelanau; Jason Allen, R-Traverse City; Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland; and Tony Stamas. R-Midland.

Sen. John Gleason, D-Flushing, voted for the bill in his Transportation Committee.

“Our national motto is a prominent part of our history and I think it’s great we’ll have the chance to put it on license plates,” Gleason said. “It’s a permanent fixture that shows we support what our forefathers proclaimed on many occasions.

Motorists would pay a $35 donation along with the normal registration fee. Annual renewals would include a $25 extra charge as well as the regular registration fee.

Other specialty plates for Michigan’s 15 public universities carry a one-time extra fee of $35, but has no annual surcharge. The selected university receives $25 per plate.

Dennis Rosebrough, communications director for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, said the state has sold almost 1.5 million religious plates since January.

“It represents 24 percent of all license plates sold in the state,” Rosebrough said. “It’s definitely the most popular non-standard plate.”

Rosebrough downplayed the idea of controversy over the plates affecting sales.

“One in four people are choosing the ‘In God We Trust’ plate, so the numbers speak for themselves,” he said.

Brown said if the plate catches on with Michigan motorists like it has in Indiana, it could be a great source of revenue for the government.

“If we sold a million in Michigan, it would generate about $25 million,” Brown said. “If those people renewed their plate each year, we would get another $10 million annually.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan declined to take a position on the legislation until it has more thoroughly review it.

Gleason said he doesn’t foresee any opposition, either from within or outside the Legislature.

“I don’t know, and I don’t really care,” Gleason said. “It’s inscribed in the limestone of the Capitol and it’s on my coinage. It should go right to the governor’s desk.”

Brown said he hopes Michigan can catch the attention of other states much as Indiana caught his.

“If Indiana is starting a trend that could spread across the country, I want Michigan to be a part of it,” he said.

The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee and awaits full Senate action.