SENATE BILL REPORT
SB
6376
As of January 15, 1996
Title: An act relating to arts and heritage license plates.
Brief Description: Creating an arts and heritage license plate.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Prince, Fraser, Snyder, Winsley and Owen; by request of Arts Commission and Washington State Historical Society.
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.
Summary of Bill: The Department of Licensing (DOL), in cooperation with a design selection committee comprising representatives from the State Arts Commission, the State Historical Society, and the Washington State Patrol, is required to develop the arts and heritage license plate. The arts and heritage license plate may not be issued on the mountain background developed for the Washington State Centennial celebration.
In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon registration and renewal of a motor vehicle, the holder of an arts and heritage license plate pays an initial fee of $28; renewals are $20 per year. Revenues generated from the arts and heritage license plates are used to support the arts and history education of Washington's youth.
If a vehicle having an arts and heritage license plate is sold, the plate remains with the original owner and may be used on another vehicle upon notification of the DOL.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 1996.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.