Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. An organization seeking to sponsor a special license plate must be a nonprofit organization, a professional sports franchise working in conjunction with a nonprofit organization, or a government agency. The sponsoring organization may choose one of two ways of creating a special license plate.

Application Process and Legislation. In this method, a sponsoring organization submits an application to the DOL prior to pursuing legislation. The application packet must include the design of the special license plate, proof of 3,500 signatures in support of the special license plate, and the start-up fee of $6,300. After the DOL approves the application, the sponsoring organization must pursue legislation to create the special license plate.

Legislation Without the Department of Licensing's Review. In this method, a sponsoring organization pursues legislation without applying to the DOL first. Once the bill is enacted, the sponsoring organization must provide the design of the special license plate and the start-up fee of $6,300 to the DOL within 30 days.

In both methods, if the sponsoring organization can prove that they are unable to provide the start-up fee up front, then revenues from the sale of the special license plate will be used to pay this fee. On an annual basis, the sponsoring organization must submit a financial report to the DOL detailing actual revenues from the sale of the special license plate. The DOL compiles these reports and presents them to the transportation committees of the Legislature.

The 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 the DOL determines that the start-up fee for a special license plate is paid. Once the start-up fee is paid, the State Treasurer credits the remaining special license plate fee amounts into an account specified for the sponsoring organization.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Summary of Bill:

The Seattle Storm special license plate is created with the purpose of providing funds to the Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) and the Association of Washington Generals. Of the annual net proceeds derived from the sale of the Seattle Storm special license plates, $25,000 will be provided to the LYAC or its successor organization, and the remaining net proceeds will be provided to the Association of Washington Generals for the purpose of providing grants to support and enhance athletic, recreational, and other opportunities for women and girls, especially those with disabilities. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 is charged for the original issuance of a Seattle Storm special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged for the renewal of the plate.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Heroes in life represent the idea that no matter what barriers exist, people can overcome them. The Seattle Storm are considered heroes to some; they are World Champions, incredible athletes, inspiring role models, and a powerful example for all youth, and especially girls.

According to the Women's Sports Foundation, by age 14, girls are twice as likely to drop out of sports as boys, and due to high costs or lack of facilities, have almost 1.3 million fewer opportunities than boys to play high school sports. Research shows that when girls play sports, they remain active and healthy, have better mental health, a higher self image and confidence, improved teamwork, higher graduation rates, and leadership skills to build achievement. This bill will provide opportunities for girls who might not normally have access to sports and for girls and youth with disabilities. This bill also fills a gap by recognizing professional women in sports, to recognize a championship basketball team, and to provide their fans with a means of showing support while giving back to their communities.

The bill will fund two causes of importance: (1) youth civic engagement; and (2) creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly girls and people with disabilities. Off the court, the Seattle Storm basketball team members strive to be leaders in the community by providing a fun and safe environment for families and people regardless of ethnicity, religious belief, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. The basketball team offers affordable entertainment that showcases women leaders as role models for young people. In 2018 nearly 13,000 youth were directly impacted by the programs that are provided through the StormCares platform. Staff and players of the franchise have collectively participated in 686 community service hours, and the team donated over 25,000 tickets to communities to benefit nonprofits and individuals who may otherwise be unable to attend a game.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor administers the LYAC, which would receive support from this bill. In 2007 the Legislature created the LYAC because of the value of helping students learn about and exercise the core democratic principles of the state and nation. Investing in youth and civic engagement is critical to the health of the state's democracy, and the LYAC is one way that the state can give students a means of engaging in civics. The LYAC represents the official voice of Washington's youth to the Legislature. It is made up of 22 members that act as the bridge between the adults of the Legislature and the youth of the state. In addition to organizing themselves, the LYAC students have an extensive outreach program for other students outside of the LYAC membership, including organizing meetings throughout the state and hosting advocacy days at the Capitol. There is nothing more powerful than peer-to-peer advocacy to inspire youth to become civically engaged. With this bill, the LYAC will be able to progress and continue the incredible work it provides not only for the youth of Washington, but also for the Legislature. With funding provided from the sale of the special license plates, the LYAC will be able to increase and cultivate the opportunities it provides to its young leaders, and in turn, benefit their families and communities.

(Opposed) None.