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

Sponsors: Senators Oke and Regala.

Hearing Date: 3/21/05

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

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 the organization and proposed plate meet criteria set by state law, and then forwards the approved application to the Legislature.

On February 15, 2005, the board formally approved the Washington state federation of animal care and control agencies "we love our pets" license plate application.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) must issue a special license plate for vehicles displaying a symbol or artwork approved by the Special License Plate Review Board and the legislature recognizing an the efforts of the Washington State federation of animal care and control agencies in Washington State that assist local member agencies of the federation to promote and perform spray/neuter surgery of Washington State pets, in order to reduce pet overpopulation.

An applicant for a "we love our pets" license plate must pay an initial fee of $40 and a renewal fee each year thereafter 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 the implementation costs. Upon reimbursement, the revenue must be deposited into the we love our pet account established under this bill.

The DOL must enter into a contract with a qualified nonprofit organization requiring that the organization use the revenue generated by the license plate sales to support and enable Washington federation of animal welfare and control agencies to promote and perform spray/neuter surgery of Washington State pets, in order to reduce pet overpopulation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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