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).

Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Transportation

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that can 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. The organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse DOL for the costs associated with establishing the new special plate. The Legislature has declared a moratorium on the issuance of new plates until June 30, 2009.

DOL may issue one set of special license plates to certain Pearl Harbor survivors at no cost above the standard licensing fees.

Summary: DOL may issue special license plates to mothers and fathers of armed forces members who died while in service to their country or as a result of that service. The Department of Veterans Affairs will certify those who are eligible. This act is exempt from the requirement that DOL be reimbursed for the costs associated with establishing the new special plate as well as the moratorium on the issuance of new plates.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      47   0
House      94   0

Effective: June 12, 2008