Brief Description: Authorizing a special "Helping Kids Speak" license plate.

Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Benton, B. Sheldon, T. Sheldon, Rasmussen and Shin.

Hearing Date: 3/01/04

Staff: Page Scott (786-7301).

Background:

The Special License Plate Review Board (SLPRB) was created in 2003 by ESHB1592. 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 board forwards the application to the Legislature.

On January 26, 2004, the SLPRB formally approved the Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders' application for a "Helping Kids Speak" special license plate series.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning with vehicle registrations due or to become due in November 2004, the Department of Licensing (DOL) must issue a special license plate displaying a symbol recognizing an organization that supports programs that provides free speech pathology services for children.

An applicant for a "Helping Kids Speak" license plate must pay an initial fee of $40 and a renewal fee each year thereafter of $30. The DOL may deduct up to $12 of the initial fee and up to $2 of the renewal fee for administration and collection expenses. The remaining 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 Helping Kids Speak account.

The DOL must enter into a contract with a qualified nonprofit organization requiring that the organization use the plate revenue to provide free diagnostic and therapeutic services to families of children who suffer from a delay in language or speech development.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.