FINAL BILL REPORT

EHB 2397

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.

C 181 L 14

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning Medal of Honor special license plates.

Sponsors: Representatives Seaquist, MacEwen, Orwall, Ryu, Morrell, Zeiger, Haler, Tarleton and Pollet.

House Committee on Transportation

Background:

In 1979 the Legislature authorized the creation of a Congressional Medal of Honor special license plate. Washington residents who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor may apply for the special license plate for display on a vehicle of which they are the registered owner through the Department of Licensing (DOL) by completing a military license plate application and submitting a letter of eligibility from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) verifying that they have received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Congressional Medal of Honor special license plates must be issued for use on a single motor vehicle owned by the person who has received the Congressional Medal of Honor and without payment of vehicle license fees, license plate fees, and motor vehicle excise taxes. The plates must also be replaced, free of charge, if the plates become lost, stolen, damaged, defaced, or destroyed. The plates may be transferred, free of charge, from one motor vehicle to another owned by the Congressional Medal of Honor recipient upon application to the DOL, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the Director of the DOL.

Summary:

Registered owners who have been awarded the Medal of Honor may apply for Medal of Honor special license plates for use on no more than three motor vehicles. The Medal of Honor special license plates may be used on vehicles where the Medal of Honor recipient is recorded as one of the registered owners. Those owners who are eligible for the Medal of Honor plates and choose not to utilize them may receive the fee exemptions associated with the Medal of Honor special license plates for regular issue plates for no more than three vehicles.

References to "Congressional" are eliminated to correct the title of the medal, and a definition for the Medal of Honor as the military decoration presented by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, is provided.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

98

0

Senate

48

0

Effective:

June 12, 2014