SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1412

BYRepresentatives Kremen, Hankins, Heavey, Beck, Braddock, Basich, Baugher, Winsley, Day, G. Fisher, Prentice, Todd, R. Meyers, Jones, D. Sommers, Prince, S. Wilson, Gallagher, Betrozoff, Walker, Wood, Haugen, Smith, Cantwell, Cooper, Pruitt, Zellinsky, K. Wilson, R. Fisher, Tate, Rector, Rasmussen, Youngsman, Doty, Schoon, Moyer, Wineberry, McLean, Dorn, Crane, Nealey, Sayan, Valle, Inslee, Jesernig, Fraser, Nutley, Patrick, H. Myers, Rayburn, R. King, Miller, Spanel, Brooks, Hargrove, Anderson, Sprenkle, Scott, Grant, Dellwo, May, Van Luven, Bowman, Horn, Fuhrman, Silver, Ferguson, Jacobsen, P. King, Morris and Phillips

Authorizing remembrance tabs for veterans' license plates.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  March 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

According to the Washington Statewide Memorial Foundation, it is estimated that there are approximately 500,000 honorably discharged veterans living in Washington State.

Military personnel are awarded campaign ribbons for combat service.  Since 1917, ribbons have been awarded for six major campaigns:  World War I (1917- 1918); the Pacific and European Theatres during World War II (1942-45); Korea (1950 - 1954); Vietnam (1965-1973); and Armed Forces Expeditionary (1958 - 1984).

Funds for creating and preserving memorials to those who have served our country are limited.

SUMMARY:

A person who has been honorably discharged from military service shall be issued a tab depicting the American flag.  Persons, regardless of military service, are not prohibited from depicting the American flag on or near their license plates.  Veterans who have been awarded a campaign ribbon shall be issued a tab depicting the campaign ribbon.  The veteran must furnish proof of his or her honorable discharge and pay all regular license fees as well as a $5 fee to the Department of Licensing in order to receive the tab or tabs.

The tab shall be affixed to the front license plate in an area designated by the Department of Licensing.

The veterans remembrance account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer.  All monies received from the sale of the tabs to veterans shall be placed in the account.  Expenditures from the account shall be used by the Department of Veterans Affairs exclusively for payment of the costs associated with the program.  Any remaining balance in the account is to be used exclusively for projects that pay tribute to veterans.  The monies may be used to preserve and operate existing memorials, as well as for planning, acquiring land and constructing future memorials.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS: 

A statute which prohibits individuals to alter the vehicle license plate for other than vehicle identification purposes is deleted.

An effective date of January 1, 1990 is added.

Senate Committee - Testified: Glenn Galbreath, Northwest Paralyzed Vets of America; Doris Gross, American Legion; Rick Jensen, Washington State Patrol; Sandra Brooks, Department of Licensing