SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5919

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 Passed Senate, March 5, 2019

Title: An act relating to creating a San Juan Islands stewardship special license plate.

Brief Description: Creating a San Juan Islands stewardship special license plate.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Lovelett, Nguyen, Dhingra, Hawkins, Randall, Frockt, Das, Hunt and Palumbo).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/25/19, 2/27/19 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 3/05/19, 47-1.

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

  • Create a new special license plate that displays a symbol or artwork recognizing the efforts of San Juan Islands stewardship programs in Washington State.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5919 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Sheldon, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Fortunato, Lovelett, O'Ban, Padden, Randall, Takko, Wilson, C. and Zeiger.

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

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. The sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate.

For special license plates enacted by the Legislature, a sponsoring organization must submit prepayment of all start-up costs to DOL within 30 days of enactment. If the sponsoring organization is not able to meet the prepayment requirement, revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate are first used to pay off any costs associated with establishing the new plate. The sponsoring organization must also provide a proposed license plate design to DOL. Additionally, the sponsoring organization must submit an annual financial report to DOL detailing actual revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate. The reports are reviewed, approved, and presented to the Joint Transportation Committee.

DOL collects special license plate fees, and for administrative expenses, deducts an amount not to exceed $12 for new plate issuance and $2 for renewal. After these expenses are paid, the state treasurer deposits the proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until DOL determines the start-up costs for a special license plate are paid. After that point, all remaining proceeds go to the sponsoring organization.

Summary of First Substitute Bill: A new special license plate is created that displays a symbol or artwork recognizing the efforts of San Juan Islands stewardship programs in Washington State. The net proceeds will be used for education programs and to provide grants for San Juan Islands conservation-based organizations to assist in funding stewardship projects. A fee of $40 will be charged for an initial San Juan Islands stewardship special license plate and $30 for an annual renewal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 1, 2019.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO:  This special license plate is the result of a grassroots effort. This is a community sponsored initiative that will provide needed resources for youth volunteer programs and nature conservation on the San Juan Islands.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Liz Lovelett, Prime Sponsor.

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