SB 5643-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Directs the department to implement a flat, digitally printed license plate system that must be used to manufacture all license plates issued under chapter 46.16 RCW. This system must be in place and operational by January 1, 2004, and the system must be used to produce all license plates issued by the department by no later than December 31, 2004.

Declares that, in providing for the periodic replacement of license plates, the department shall offer to vehicle owners the option of retaining their current license plate numbers. The department shall charge a retention fee of twenty dollars if this option is exercised. Revenue generated from the retention fee must be deposited into the license plate technology account created under this act until such time as the financing necessary to implement a digital license plate system has been paid in full. After the financing has been paid in full, the revenue collected under this act shall be deposited into the multimodal transportation account.

Authorizes the department to offer license plate design services to organizations that are sponsoring a new special license plate series or are seeking to redesign the appearance of an existing special license plate series that they sponsored. In providing this service, the department must work with the requesting organization in determining the specific qualities of the new plate design and must provide full design services to the organization. The department shall collect from the requesting organization a fee of one thousand five hundred dollars for providing license plate design services.

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