Brief Description: Authorizing the "we love our pets" license plate.

Sponsors: Representatives Lantz, Campbell, Appleton, Moeller and Conway.

Hearing Date: 3/3/05

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 February 14, 2005, the Board approved the Washington Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies' "We Love Our Pets" license plate application.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Licensing must issue a special license plate displaying a symbol or artwork recognizing the Washington Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies.

An applicant for a "We Love Our Pets" 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 We Love Our Pets Account, to be used to enable the Washington Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies to promote and perform spay/neuter surgery of Washington state pets in order to reduce pet overpopulation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on March 1, 2005.

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