SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5611

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, February 27, 2019

Title: An act relating to creating a special license plate to support the maintenance and improvements of Washington state parks.

Brief Description: Creating a special license plate to support the maintenance and improvements of Washington state parks.

Sponsors: Senators Rivers, Warnick, Wilson, L., Padden, Zeiger, Palumbo and Kuderer.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/19/19, 2/27/19 [DPS, w/oRec].

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Creates a new special license plate that displays a symbol or artwork recognizing the cultural significance of Sasquatch in Washington State history and folklore.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5611 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; King, Ranking Member; Sheldon, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Fortunato, O'Ban, Padden, Takko and Zeiger.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senators Das, Lovelett, Nguyen, Randall and Wilson, C..

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 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 2005, DOL began issuing a special license plate recognizing Washington State parks. The net proceeds are used to provide public educational opportunities and enhancement of Washington State parks.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): A new special license plate is created that displays a symbol or artwork recognizing the cultural significance of Sasquatch in Washington State history and folklore. The net proceeds will be deposited into the State Parks Education and Enhancement Account and will be used to provide support for the maintenance and improvements of Washington State parks. A fee of $40 will be charged for an initial Sasquatch special license plate and $30 for an annual renewal.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute): The effective date is changed to October 1, 2019.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 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 builds off of the incredible fascination with Sasquatch throughout the state, the nation, and the world. The bill will allow us to expand the existing state parks license plate and build off the popularity of Sasquatch in the recreation community. Sasquatch appeals to all ages. This will help with enhanced interpretation improvements in the state park system.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Ann Rivers, Prime Sponsor; Owen Rowe, Governmental Affairs Director, Washington State Parks.

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