Brief Description: Creating "Wild on Washington" special vehicle license plate.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Lovick, Eickmeyer, Upthegrove, Ericksen, Morrell, Dickerson, Holmquist and Sells).

House Committee on Transportation
Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

The Legislature created the Special License Plate Review Board (Board) in the 2003 session to review special vehicle license plate applications from governmental or nonprofit organizations in Washington. The Board must verify that the organization and proposed plate meet criteria set by state law and then forward the approved application to the Legislature.

Drivers pay an additional fee for a special vehicle license plate. The initial revenue generated from the special plate sales is deposited into the Motor Vehicle Account until the state has been reimbursed for implementation costs. After reimbursement, the revenue is deposited into the account designated by the authorizing statute for the specific special vehicle license plate.

On December 10, 2004, the Board approved the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife's "Wild on Washington" license plate application.

Summary:

The Department of Licensing must issue a special license plate displaying a symbol or artwork recognizing wildlife in Washington.

An applicant for a "Wild on Washington" license plate pays an initial fee of $40 and an annual renewal fee of $30. After reimbursement to the state, the revenue must be deposited into the State Wildlife Account, and proceeds must be used for the Department of Fish and Wildlife's watchable wildlife activities.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   95   1
Senate   43   0   (Senate amended)
House   92   6   (House concurred)

Effective: July 24, 2005