SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2299

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 20, 2012

Title: An act relating to "4-H" special license plates.

Brief Description: Creating "4-H" special license plates.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Warnick, Clibborn, Haigh, Armstrong, Short, Nealey, Fagan, Tharinger, Hunt, Moscoso and Jinkins).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/08/12, 93-1.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/12 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Ericksen, Frockt, Hill, Hobbs, Litzow, Prentice, Rolfes and Swecker.

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

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.

Revenues generated from the sale of a special license plate are first used to reimburse the motor vehicle account for any costs associated with establishing the new plate. After DOL determines that the state has been reimbursed for the cost of implementing the new plate, the remaining revenues are directed to various accounts and uses prescribed by the specific plate. DOL may also deduct up to $12 for an original issue and $2 for the renewal of a special plate to cover administration and collection expenses.

There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates until July 1, 2013.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The 4-H special license plate, displaying the 4-H logo, and the state flower plate, recognizing the state, are created. In addition to all fees and taxes that are required to be paid for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 is charged for an original issue 4-H or state flower special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged upon renewal.

Proceeds from the 4-H special license plate are to promote 4-H throughout Washington State. Proceeds from the state flower special license plate are to support the Meerkerk Rhododendron Garden and to provide grants to other nonprofit organizations that work to preserve rhododendrons.

The 4-H and the state flower special license plates are exempt from the temporary moratorium on special license plates.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2013.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony as Heard in Committee: PRO: This is a unique opportunity to provide funding for an important program that teaches kids about responsibility, respect, helps them develop poise, and nurtures a positive work ethic. Children that participate in 4-H make life-long friends that are part of the helpful and caring 4-H community. Members get many opportunities to learn and practice public speaking. Young people have experiences in 4-H that teach them humility and about the payoffs of hard work. 4-H provides social activities for young people that cannot participate in sports.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Katherine Miotke, Jessica Ubachs, Cody Holgnon, Thaddeus Jarecki, Hannah Brown, Kimberly Torheim, Maranda Butterfield, Brendan Wiens, Brittany Loveng, past and present 4-H particpants.