HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 3289
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 special license plates for family members of United States armed forces members killed in combat.
Brief Description: Authorizing the issuance of special license plates to family members of United States armed forces members killed in combat.
Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Kelley, Sells, Dunn, Linville and Barlow.
Brief History:
Transportation: 2/5/08, 2/6/08 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Dickerson, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rodne, 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 may be used in
lieu of standard plates. A governmental or nonprofit organization seeking to sponsor a
special plate either makes application with the Special License Plate Review Board or
requests legislation to create the special plate. Generally, the organization seeking to sponsor
the special plate is required to reimburse the DOL for the costs of establishing the new
special plate. There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates until June
30, 2009.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The DOL may issue special license plates to the parents of a member of the United States
armed forces who was killed in combat, as certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs
(DVA). The DOL may not charge a fee above the standard license plate fee. The special
license plate is exempt from the requirement that DOL be reimbursed for costs associated
with establishing the new special plate and the moratorium on the issuance of new special
plates.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
Eligibility criteria for the special license plate is changed from parents of members of the
United States armed forces who were killed in combat to parents of a member of the United
States armed forces who died in service to his or her country.
The DOL and the DVA are given rulemaking authority to establish and verify eligibility for
the special license plate.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) These license plates will provide parents whose sons and daughters have made
the ultimate sacrifice to their country with the recognition they deserve, and will raise public
awareness of the incomprehensible losses some families have suffered. Currently 81
members of the military from Washington have lost their lives in Iraq and 11 in Afghanistan.
Thirteen other states have enacted similar license plates.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Simpson, prime sponsor.