HB 2660-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

      Revises provisions for issuance of dealer license plates.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2660-S

                        April 2, 1992

To the Honorable, the House

  of Representatives of the

  State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 3, Substitute House Bill No. 2660 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to vehicle licenses."

      In 1990, the legislature authorized counties to fix and impose a vehicle license fee in addition to the fee charged by the state.  In 1991, the legislature authorized county legislative authorities to refund this fee to all senior citizens who were at least 61 years old and who had household incomes of $18,000 or less or who were physically disabled.  Section 3 was intended to change this refund mechanism to an outright exemption.  The eligibility requirements of this exemption are established by reference to RCW 84.36.381, relating to senior citizen property tax exemptions.  Unfortunately, in drafting the section in this manner, only those who own real property would be eligible for the exemption.  I urge the Department of Licensing and the affected counties to remedy this oversight and submit the appropriate legislation in the next session.

      For this reason, I have vetoed section 3 of Substitute House Bill No. 2660.

      With the exception of section 3, Substitute House Bill No. 2660 is approved.

                        Respectfully submitted,

                        Booth Gardner

                        Governor