SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5142

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 18, 1993

Brief Description:  Authorizing special license plates to support threatened or endangered food fish.

SPONSORS: Senator Owen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5142 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Vognild, Chairman; Loveland, Vice Chairman; Skratek, Vice Chairman; Drew, Haugen, Oke, Prentice, Prince, M. Rasmussen, Sellar, Sheldon, von Reichbauer, and Winsley.

Staff:  Brad Lovaas (786‑7307)

Hearing Dates: February 11, 1993; February 18, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) administers the motor vehicle licensing program,  and is responsible for issuance of 12 different types of license plates, including the Personal License Plate Program.  In addition, the DOL administers the Specialized License Plate and Emblem Programs.

The Personalized License Plate Program allows individuals to apply for a seven-character license plate carrying a personalized message.  The vehicle must currently be licensed in Washington, all license fees, taxes and a $45 fee, plus agent or subagent fees must be paid.  All revenues are deposited to the credit of the state wildlife account.  The Legislature is mandated to appropriate to DOL the administrative cost of the program.

The funds deposited in the state wildlife account are to be used for the preservation, protection, and enhancement of non-game species of wildlife.

SUMMARY:

A new license plate is established that indicates the recipient supports the state efforts to protect salmon and other food fish listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.

In addition to the regular vehicle license fee, motor vehicle excise tax, and agent or subagent fees, a fee of $20 is established for the initial issuance and $15 for renewal.  The revenues from this new license plate shall be credited to the state wildlife fund.  The Department of Licensing is appropriated monies to cover the cost of administering the program.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Department of Licensing designs a license plate that would designate the registered owner of the vehicle as a supporter of the state's endangered food fish resources.

In addition to all other license fees and taxes, there is a $35 issuance fee and a $30 renewal fee established.

The revenues generated by the sale of the endangered food fish plate are to be deposited in the endangered food fish account.  Monies in the endangered food fish account are to be used solely to enhance and protect the state's salmon and other endangered food fish resources.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Will support activities to protect and enhance endangered food fish.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

Revenues are deposited into wrong account.

TESTIFIED:  Senator Owen, prime sponsor (pro); Cyreis Schmitt, Department of Fisheries (con on original bill)