Brief Description: Creating the "Wild On Washington" special license plates.

Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Eickmeyer, Upthegrove, Ericksen, Morrell, Dickerson, Holmquist and Sells.

Hearing Date: 2/14/05

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

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

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

Summary of Bill:

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. The initial revenue generated from the plate sales must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Account until the state has been reimbursed for implementation costs. After reimbursement, 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 as defined in RCW 77.32.560(2).

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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