FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2910

C 35 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing special license plates for fire fighters and paramedics.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives G. Simpson, Cooper, Woods, Hinkle and Conway).

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation

Background:

The Special License Plate Review Board (SLPRB) was created in 2003. The SLPRB is charged with reviewing special license plate applications from groups requesting the creation of a special license plate series. Upon review and approval, the SLPRB forwards the application to the Legislature.

On January 26, 2004, the SLPRB formally approved the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters' license plate application.

Summary:

Beginning with vehicle registrations due or to become due in January 2005, the Department of Licensing (DOL) must issue a special license plate displaying a symbol denoting professional fire fighters and paramedics. Applicants must provide proof of membership in the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF).

An applicant for a professional fire fighters and paramedics license plate must pay an initial fee of $40 and a renewal fee each year thereafter of $30. The initial revenue generated from the plate sales must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Account until the state has been reimbursed for the implementation costs. Upon reimbursement, the revenue must be deposited into the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund Account.

The DOL must enter into a contract with a qualified nonprofit organization requiring that the organization use the revenue generated by the license plate sales to disseminate funds for charitable purposes on behalf of members of the WSCFF, their families, and others deemed in need.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 98  0

Senate 49  0

Effective: June 10, 2004