Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1112
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 siblings 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 Appleton, Bergquist, Muri and Riccelli.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/19/15
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. An applicant had to be a resident of Washington and a mother or father of the member of the United States Armed Forces. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) would certify those who were eligible.
In 2010 the "Vehicle and Vessel Title and Registration Statutes - Reorganization" bill passed by the Legislature codified the Gold Star license plate.
Most recently, in 2013 the Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 5161 expanding the list of individuals who are eligible to receive a Gold Star license plate to include a widow or widower, a biological or adopted child, an adoptive parent, a stepparent, and a foster parent or other adult that is legally responsible for the member of the Armed Forces.
Summary of Bill:
Eligibility for Gold Star license plates is expanded to include siblings of a member of the United States Armed Forces who died while in service or as a result of service.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.