| Washington State House of Representatives |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Transportation Committee | |
SB 6237
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.
Brief Description: Modifying armed forces provisions.
Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Haugen, Shin, McCaslin, Rasmussen, Hobbs and Marr; by request of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/26/08
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 DOL issues armed forces special license plates, which 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. 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 that was held
captive and received a prisoner of war medal.
In addition to veterans, families of veterans may receive funds from the Veterans Stewardship
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.