SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5722

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                Transportation, March 10, 1997

Title:  An act relating to public school license plates.

Brief Description:  Establishing a public schools license plate.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  3/6/97, 3/10/97 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Prince, Chair; Haugen, Heavey, Horn, Jacobsen, Oke, Patterson, Prentice and Rasmussen.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senators Benton, Vice Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Morton and Sellar.

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.

In 1994, 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.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Licensing (DOL) is authorized to create a public school license plate.  DOL, in consultation with the state Arts Commission, must design the public school license plate based on submissions from students.

In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon registration and renewal of a motor vehicle, the holder of a public school license plate pays an annual fee of $30.  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 the public school district designated by the applicant.  Expenditures of funds from the sale of public school license plates must be approved by the superintendent of local school district in consultation with the relevant parent organizations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on March 6, 1997.

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

Testimony For:  The idea for this legislation came from students.  It will instill a sense of school pride, plus raise money for worthy causes of the local school district=s choosing.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Fraser, prime sponsor (pro).