SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6489

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, January 31, 2018

Title: An act relating to changing the baseball stadium based special license plate.

Brief Description: Changing the baseball stadium based special license plate.

Sponsors: Senators Saldaña, Hobbs, King, Sheldon, Schoesler and Padden.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/29/18, 1/31/18 [DPS].

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Changes the special baseball stadium license plate to one that is based on the Seattle Mariners team logo.
Distributes the net proceeds from the special Seattle Mariners license plate to the newly established Academic, Mentoring, and Innovation Grant Account.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6489 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Chase, Cleveland, Dhingra, Fortunato, Liias, McCoy, Takko, Wellman and Zeiger.

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. A governmental or nonprofit sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor a special plate either submits an application to DOL or requests legislation to create the special plate. The sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate.

For special license plates that are enacted by the Legislature, a sponsoring organization must submit prepayment of all start-up costs to DOL within 30 days of enactment. If the sponsoring organization is not able to meet the prepayment requirement, revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate are first used to pay off any costs associated with establishing the new plate. The sponsoring organization must also provide a proposed license plate design to DOL. Additionally, the sponsoring organization must submit an annual financial report to DOL detailing actual revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate. The reports are reviewed, approved, and presented to the Joint Transportation Committee.

DOL collects special license plate fees, and for administrative expenses, deducts an amount not to exceed $12 for new plate issuance and $2 for renewal. After these expenses are paid, the state treasurer deposits the proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until DOL determines the start-up costs for a special license plate are paid. After that point, all remaining proceeds go to the sponsoring organization.

In 1995, special baseball stadium license plates were authorized with the revenue dedicated to baseball stadium bond retirement. The bonds from the stadium were paid off in 2011. The net proceeds from the special baseball stadium license plates are currently deposited in the state general fund.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): The authorization for a special baseball stadium license is removed. A Seattle Mariners logo themed special license plate is created. The net proceeds from the special Seattle Mariners special license plate will be deposited into the newly established Academic, Mentoring, and Innovation Grant Account (AMIA). The account will be used for making grants to support youth staying in school, participating in sports, and receiving mentoring.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute): The net proceeds from the special Seattle Mariners special license plate will be deposited into the AMIA rather than to InvestED.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 1, 2018.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2019.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This change will update the special license plate with the new team logo. Now that the stadium bonds are paid off, this will allow the public to support the team, but also contribute to important education programs. The Seahawks special license revenues support the same organization as proposed in this legislation.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Prime Sponsor; Amber Carter, Seattle Mariners; Fred Rivera, Seattle Mariners.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.