HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1876
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 providing funds for disabled veterans through voluntary donations.
Brief Description: Providing funds for disabled veterans through voluntary donations.
Sponsors: Representatives McCune, Miloscia, Haler, Klippert, Campbell, Rodne, Schmick, O'Brien, Roach, Warnick, Short, Conway, Cox and Orcutt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/11/09, 2/19/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell, Cox, Driscoll, Eddy, Ericksen, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Moeller, Morris, Rolfes, Sells, Shea, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Wallace, Williams and Wood.
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306)
Background:
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is a Governor cabinet-level agency that provides assistance and services to veterans and dependents of veterans. The agency accepts grants, donations, and gifts from any person, corporation, government, or governmental agency, made in behalf of a former member of the armed forces.
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Summary of Bill:
The Department of Licensing must provide an opportunity for owners of vehicles, which include passenger vehicles, motorcycles, motor homes, travel trailers, trucks and non-commercial trailers under 10,000 pounds gross weight, to make a voluntary $5 donation to be deposited to the newly-created Disabled Veterans Assistance Account (Account). The donation can be made at the time of a vehicle's initial or renewal registration with registrations due or becoming due on or after January 1, 2010.
The DVA may also request and accept non-dedicated contributions, grants, or gifts in cash or otherwise. All moneys deposited into the Account must be used to provide programs and services that assist disabled veterans with the purchase of durable medical equipment or mobility-enhancing equipment.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bill provides an opportunity for citizens to make a voluntary donation of $5 to the Account when a person registers their vehicle. In Washington, for every seven citizens, there is one veteran. Presently the money in the Account must be used for, but is not limited to, providing programs and services that assist disabled veterans with the purchase of medical or mobility equipment. The Legislature may also want to look at funding other needs over time.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative McCune, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.