On Sept. 23, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the breast cancer license plate bill, AB49, into law. This bill affirms that for every “Pink Plate” purchased, proceeds will go toward breast cancer awareness and research. The Pink Plate resembles the normal California license plate but with a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon on the side and a quote stating, “Early detection saves lives,” at the bottom. The money acquired from these plates will go toward helping women get regular checkups and mammograms.

A group of women from Northern California who are breast cancer survivors developed these plates and brought them to Brown’s attention. However, in order for these plates to be widely produced and manufactured, 7,500 paid pledges or people willing to buy these plates are necessary within a year. Once the pledge goal is reached, the Pink Plate will be available to the public.

“I think this is a great way to spread the word about breast cancer and an easy way to get people involved,” said sophomore Hope Trompeter.

Pink plates with numbers and letters from the Department of Motor Vehicles cost about $50 with a $40 renewal fee each year. However, if a customer wants a customized license plate, there is an additional fee, and the pink ribbon will take the place of the seventh letter. The proceeds from the Pink Plate can help further research and awareness of breast cancer.