SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5209

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 of January 31, 2017

Title: An act relating to certain gold star license plate qualified applicants and recipients.

Brief Description: Concerning certain gold star license plate qualified applicants and recipients.

Sponsors: Senators O'Ban, Conway, Zeiger and Fortunato.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/31/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Provides qualifying widows or widowers an opportunity to receive a standard issue license plate in lieu of a gold star license plate.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kellee Keegan (786-7429)

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues various special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. Generally, special license plates that are sponsored by a governmental or nonprofit organization have an additional fee that is due annually, with the proceeds benefiting a specific organization or purpose. Other special license plates are available to individuals that meet certain requirements. One such special plate is the Gold Star license plate, which may be issued to the sibling, mother, father, 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 who died while in service and/or as a result of that service. Gold Star license plates are issued without payment of any license plate fees or annual vehicle registration fees and are replaced free of charge if the plate is lost, stolen, damaged, defaced, or destroyed. This qualifying special license plate is limited to one personal use motor vehicle per individual.

Summary of Bill: The widow or widower of a member of the armed forces who died while in service and/or as a result of that service may have the option of receiving a standard issue plate instead of a gold star plate without payment of the annual vehicle registration and license plate fees. The qualifying license plate would be limited to one personal use motor vehicle.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is the result of a gold-star plate qualifying widow who felt uncomfortable placing the special plate on their vehicle.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve O'Ban, Prime Sponsor; Ted Wicorek, Veterans' Legislative Coalition; Heidi Audette, WA Department of Veterans Affairs.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.