Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1132

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.

Brief Description: Authorizing spouses of United States armed forces members who died while in service or as a result of service to apply for gold star license plates.

Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Seaquist, Smith, Van De Wege, Kristiansen, Takko, Haler, Rodne, Sells, McCoy, Dunshee, Moscoso, Tharinger, Ryu, Zeiger, Green, Wilcox, Jinkins, Riccelli, Hurst, Morrell, Scott, Freeman, Dahlquist, Bergquist, Hargrove and Parker.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes spouses of United States armed forces members who died while in service or as a result of service to apply for gold star license plates.

Hearing Date: 1/29/13

Staff: Paul Ingiosi (786-7114).

Background:

In the 2008 session, the Legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill 6678, the armed forces license plate bill, which authorized the Department of Licensing (DOL) to issue special license plates denoting the recipient of the plate was the parent of a member of the United States armed forces who died while in service to his or her country or as a result of their service. The DOL was prohibited from setting or charging an additional fee for these plates but all other license fees still applied. Applicants had to be a resident of Washington and a mother or father of the member of the United States armed forces. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) would certify those who were eligible.

For purposes of eligibility the term "parent" was defined by the DVA to include:

In 2010 the "Vehicle and Vessel Title and Registration Statutes - Reorganization" bill passed by the Legislature codified the gold star license plate.

Under current law, only the parents of a member of the United States armed forces who died in service or as a result of service may apply for gold star license plates.

Summary of Bill:

Eligibility for gold star license plates is expanded to include spouses of a member of the United States armed forces who died in service or as a result of service.

Spouses are eligible to apply for gold star license plates after meeting certain conditions set forth in current law:

Spouses would also be able to transfer the gold star plate from one motor vehicle to another motor vehicle they own upon application to the DOL, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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