SSB 6678

SENATE 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 Passed Senate, February 16, 2008

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).

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6678 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.

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 of Substitute Bill: 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.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute as Heard in Committee: PRO: This honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Haugen, prime sponsor; Amy Igloi, Port Orchard; Myra Rintamaki, President, Washington State Gold Star Mothers; Mike Partridge, Veteran Legislative Committee.