Brief Description: Requiring full disclosure of vehicle taxes and license fees.

Sponsors: Representatives Nixon, Rodne and Woods.

Hearing Date: 2/1/06

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

Vehicle owners must register their vehicles with the Department of Licensing (DOL), and renew this registration annually. Current law applies certain fees to initial or renewal vehicle registration. Examples of fees include the license tab fee, transaction filing fee, weight fees, and excise taxes for certain local taxing districts.

When persons initially register their vehicles or renew their registrations, they receive a vehicle registration form, tabs for their vehicle plates, and new plates when applicable. The vehicle registration lists the fees paid.

Each year the DOL sends out vehicle registration renewal notices. These notices state the total amount of fees due. If the registered owner lives inside a local taxing district, the renewal notice lists the excise tax due, the name of the local taxing authority, and the taxing authority's phone number.

Summary of Bill:

In addition to the total amount due, the DOL is required to list the following on vehicle license renewal notices for vehicle registrations due on or after August 1, 2006:

• The amount of each license fee and excise tax due.
• What jurisdiction imposed the tax or fee.
• Whether the tax or fee is voter approved.    

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2006.