Brief Description: Authorizing special license plates for fire fighters and paramedics.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, G., Cooper, Woods, Hinkle and Conway.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Page Scott (786-7301).

Background:

The Special License Plate Review Board (SLPRB) was created in 2003 by ESHB1592. The SLPRB is charged with reviewing special license plate applications from groups requesting the creation of a special license plate series. Upon review and approval, the board forwards the application to the Legislature.

On January 26, 2004, the SLPRB formally approved the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters' license plate application.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning with vehicle registrations due or to become due in January 2005, the Department of Licensing (DOL) must issue a special license plate displaying a symbol denoting professional fire fighters and paramedics. Applicants must provide proof of membership in the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF).

An applicant for a professional fire fighters and paramedics license plate must pay an initial fee of $40 and a renewal fee each year thereafter of $30. The initial revenue generated from the plate sales must be deposited into the motor vehicle account until the state has been reimbursed for the implementation costs. Upon reimbursement, the revenue must be deposited into the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters benevolent fund account.

The DOL must enter into a contract with a qualified nonprofit organization requiring that the organization use the revenue generated by the license plate sales to disseminate funds for charitable purposes on behalf of members of the WSCFF, their families, and others deemed in need.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.