HB 1592-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that there has been an increase in the demand from constituent groups seeking recognition and funding through the establishment of commemorative or special license plates. The high cost of implementing a new special license plate series coupled with the uncertainty of the state's ability to recoup its costs, has led the legislature to delay the implementation of new special license plates.

Declares that, in order to address these issues, it is the intent of the legislature to create a mechanism that will allow for the evaluation of special license plate requests and establish a funding policy that will alleviate the financial burden currently placed on the state. Using these two strategies, the legislature will be better equipped to efficiently process special license plate legislation.

Creates the special license plate review board.

Provides that, for an organization to qualify for a special license plate under the special license plate approval program created in this act, the sponsoring organization must submit documentation in conjunction with the application to the department that verifies: (1) That the organization is a nonprofit organization, as defined in 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3). The department may request a copy of an Internal Revenue Service ruling to verify an organization's nonprofit status; and

(2) That the organization is located in Washington and has registered as a charitable organization with the secretary of state's office as required by law.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.