HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2571
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to armed forces and veterans license plates.
Brief Description: Modifying armed forces provisions.
Sponsors: Representatives Seaquist, McCoy, McCune, Conway, Hurst, Haigh, Morrell, Campbell, VanDeWege, Chase, Barlow, Green and Simpson; by request of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Brief History:
Transportation: 1/21/08, 1/29/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Warnick, Williams and Wood.
Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).
Background:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that can be used in
lieu of standard plates.
The armed forces special license plates are a series of six plates that contain a symbol
representing different branches of the armed forces. The special plates are available only to
veterans, active duty military personnel, reservists, members of the Washington National
Guard, and spouses of deceased veterans. The charge is $40 above the standard licensing fee
for initial issuance, and $30 above the standard fee for renewal. The DOL also issues decals
free of charge to be placed on a licence plate that indicate the purchaser's military status.
Proceeds from the sale of the armed forces license plates are deposited into the Veterans
Stewardship Account (Account). The Washington State Department of Veteran's Affairs
(DVA) may also accept grants and gifts to deposit into the Account. The Account must be
used by the DVA for activities that benefit veterans.
The DOL issues former prisoner of war special license plates free of charge to veterans who
were held captive during a period of war for more than 29 days.
Summary of Bill:
The bill deletes references to Washington when referring to the National Guard special
license plate.
In addition to spouses, other family members of living or deceased veterans and current
service members may purchase an armed forces special license plate and receive a decal.
The eligibility criteria to receive a prisoner of war special license plate is changed from a
veteran who was held captive during a period of war for more than 29 days to a veteran who
was held captive and received a Prisoner of War Medal.
In addition to veterans, families of veterans may receive funds from the Account through the
DVA.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill will make a valuable difference in the lives of military families by
allowing family members to display military plates and to benefit from the proceeds of the
sale of those plates. The bill will help the DVA assist family members of veterans, as well as
veterans, who have an immediate financial need.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Seaquist, prime sponsor; John Lee, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mike Partridge, Veteran's Legislative Coalition.