Title: An act relating to special license plates to recognize the Gonzaga University alumni association.

Brief Description: Authorizing special license plates to recognize the Gonzaga University alumni association.

Sponsors: Senator Brown.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/14/05, 2/21/05 [DP, w/oRec].

Passed Senate: 3/12/05, 47-1.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Eide, Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel and Weinstein.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Poulsen, Vice Chair.

Staff: Dalene Sprick (786-7321)

Background: The Special License Plate Review Board was created in the 2003 session and charged with reviewing special license plate applications from groups requesting the creation of a special license plate series. Upon approval, the board forwards the application to the Legislature.

On September 10, 2004, the board formally approved the Corporation of Gonzaga University application to create the Gonzaga University alumni association license plate.

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 the efforts of Gonzaga University alumni association in Washington State.

An applicant for a "Gonzaga University alumni association" 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 Gonzaga University alumni association 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 provide scholarship funds to needy and qualified students attending or planning to attend Gonzaga University.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The revenue generated from these plates will enhance our current scholarship program. We anticipate no problems in selling enough plates to cover the states implementation costs and to generate enough ongoing revenue to significantly enhance the scholarship program.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Martin Pujolar, Gonzaga University.