HOUSE BILL REPORT
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.
As Passed House:
March 5, 2008
Title: An act relating to armed forces and veterans license plates.
Brief Description: Modifying armed forces provisions.
Sponsors: By Senators Kilmer, Haugen, Shin, McCaslin, Rasmussen, Hobbs and Marr; by request of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Brief History:
Transportation: 2/26/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/5/08, 96-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
|
|
|
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 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 (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 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 provide veterans and service members a way to display their pride
in their service and allow Washington to open a state veteran's cemetery in eastern
Washington and provide services to homeless veterans.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Heidi Audette, Washington State Department of Veteran's Affairs.