HOUSE BILL REPORT

2EHB 1876

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:

February 10, 2010

Title: An act relating to providing funds for disabled veterans through voluntary donations.

Brief Description: Providing funds for disabled veterans through voluntary donations.

Sponsors: Representatives McCune, Miloscia, Haler, Klippert, Campbell, Rodne, Schmick, O'Brien, Roach, Warnick, Short, Conway, Cox and Orcutt.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/11/09, 2/19/09 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/3/09, 97-0.

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-0.

Brief Summary of Second Engrossed Bill

  • Allows owners of vehicles under 10,000 gross weight to make a voluntary donation of $5 at time of initial or renewal registration.

  • Establishes the Disabled Veterans Assistance Account.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell, Cox, Driscoll, Eddy, Ericksen, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Moeller, Morris, Rolfes, Sells, Shea, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Wallace, Williams and Wood.

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is a Governor cabinet-level agency that provides assistance and services to veterans and dependents of veterans. The agency accepts grants, donations, and gifts from any person, corporation, government, or governmental agency, made in behalf of a former member of the armed forces.

Summary of Second Engrossed Bill:

Any retailer in the state may provide an opportunity for patrons to make voluntary donations to the newly-created Disabled Veterans Assistance Account on Veterans' Day and any additional days the retailer decides would be appropriate.

The DVA may also request and accept non-dedicated contributions, grants, or gifts in cash or otherwise. All moneys deposited into the Account must be used by the DVA for activities that benefit veterans including, but not limited to, providing programs and services that assist veterans with the procurement of durable medical equipment, mobility enhancing equipment, emergency home or vehicle repair, service animals, or emergency food or emergency shelter. The first priority for assistance provided through the Account must be given to veterans who are experiencing a financial hardship and do not qualify for other federal or state veterans programs and services. Funds from the Account may not be used to supplant existing funds received by the DVA.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The bill provides an opportunity for citizens to make a voluntary donation of $5 to the Account when a person registers their vehicle. In Washington, for every seven citizens, there is one veteran. Presently the money in the Account must be used for, but is not limited to, providing programs and services that assist disabled veterans with the purchase of medical or mobility equipment. The Legislature may also want to look at funding other needs over time.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative McCune, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.