SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6270

                    As of January 15, 1996

Title:  An act relating to public school license plates.

Brief Description:  Creating public school license plates.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Fairley and Thibaudeau.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/16/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Joly (786-7305)

Background:  Currently, the Department of Licensing (DOL) has the authority to create, design, and issue special license plates, in lieu of regular or personalized plates.  In addition to the ordinary fees required to register and license vehicles, the department may charge an annual fee of not more than $35 to offset the costs of production of special plates and for the administration of the special plate program.  These fees are deposited in the motor vehicle fund.

During the 1994 legislative session, the collegiate license plate program was created.  The program allows any state four-year institution of higher education to apply to DOL for issuance of a collegiate license plate.  The proceeds from the sale of collegiate license plates are earmarked for student scholarships at the participating college or university.  As of January 11, 2106 people had applied for the University of Washington license plate, and 3,779 had applied for Washington State University license plate.  Production of a Central Washington University license plate and a Western Washington University license plate begins next month.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation is an educational, charitable, non-political and not-for-profit corporation.  Among other charitable and educational activities, the foundation provides scholarships to farmers, farmworkers and their families. 

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Licensing (DOL) is authorized to create a public schools license plate displaying a red apple symbol and an education-related motto.

In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon registration and renewal of a motor vehicle, the holder of a public schools license plate pays an annual fee of $30.  The DOL deducts an amount not to exceed $2 for administration and collection expenses.  The remaining proceeds minus the cost of plate production are remitted to either a public school district or the Washington Apple Education Foundation, as designated by the applicant.  If the applicant fails to select a recipient, the State Treasurer remits the proceeds to the Washington Apple Education Foundation.  Funds credited to the Washington Apple Education Foundation must be used exclusively for student scholarships.  

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 11, 1996.

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