FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2669

C 129 L 20

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning certain sports-related special license plates.

Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, MacEwen, Lovick and Tharinger.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

Special License Plates.

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, retains an amount not to exceed $12 for new plate issuance and $2 for renewal of the plate. The State Treasurer then deposits the remaining proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until the DOL determines that the start-up fee of $6,300 is paid. Once the start-up fee is paid, the State Treasurer credits the remaining special license plate proceeds into an account specified for the sponsoring organization.

Seattle National Hockey League Team.

The Seattle National Hockey League (NHL) hockey team received approval in December 2018 from the NHL to be the thirty-second franchise team in the league. The team is based in Seattle and will begin play in the 2021-22 NHL season.

National Hockey League Seattle Foundation.

The NHL Seattle Foundation is a nonprofit public charity awaiting 501(c)3 designation whose purpose is to help marginalized youth gain increased access to sports and other opportunities.

Boundless Washington Program.

The Boundless Washington Program is a program of the Association of Washington Generals and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It is a statewide outdoor leadership program for young people with disabilities. The program provides opportunities for young people with physical and sensory disabilities to enjoy and experience the outdoors.

Summary:

The Seattle NHL hockey special license plate is created with the purpose of providing funds to the NHL Seattle Foundation and the Boundless Washington Program. At least 3,500 signatures of people indicating interest in purchasing the Seattle NHL hockey special license plate must be submitted to the DOL before the DOL may issue the plate. 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 NHL hockey special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged for the renewal of the plate. Revenue from the fees collected for the special license plates will be distributed as follows: (1) half the revenue will provide funds to the NHL Seattle Foundation to help marginalized youth succeed in life through increased access to sports and other opportunities; (2) 25 percent of the revenue will provide funds to the NHL Seattle Foundation to support youth hockey; and (3) the remaining 25 percent of the revenue will provide funds to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the Boundless Washington Program.

Votes on Final Passage: