HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6678


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 parents of United States armed forces members who have died while in service to his or her country or as a result of such service.

Brief Description: Authorizing the issuance of special license plates to parents of United States armed forces members who have died while in service to his or her country or as a result of such service.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Prentice, Hobbs, Swecker, McCaslin, Brandland, Spanel, Jacobsen, Oemig, Fairley, Franklin, Fraser, King, Eide, Marr, Brown, Carrell, Berkey, Hatfield, Rasmussen, Rockefeller, Regala, Pridemore, Tom, Sheldon, Hargrove, Weinstein, Shin, Parlette, Murray, McAuliffe, Stevens, Kohl-Welles, Roach and Holmquist).

Brief History:

Transportation: 2/26/08 [DP].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • The Department of Licensing may issue armed forces special vehicle license plates to parents of a member of the United States armed forces who died in service to his or her country or as a result of such service.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Dickerson, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, 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 Bill:

The DOL may issue special license plates to the parents of a member of the United States armed forces who died while in service to their country or as a result of such service, 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 the DOL be reimbursed for the costs associated with establishing the new special plate and the moratorium on the issuance of new special plates.


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 grant an opportunity to display a symbol of America and an opportunity to have people remember our loss. This bill is a small thing, there is no fiscal impact, but something that will be good for the community. The special plates will recognize and honor the sacrifices of persons who have died in service to their country and their families.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Wayne Bier; Skip Dreps, Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America; and Andi Bailey and Myra Rimtamaki, Washington State Gold Star Mothers.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.