Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Ways & Means Committee

HB 2339

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: Requiring the department of licensing to collect a donation to benefit the state parks system as part of motor vehicle registration unless a vehicle owner opts not to provide a donation.

Sponsors: Representatives Kessler, Seaquist, Roberts, Williams, Simpson, Nelson, Ormsby, Dunshee, Goodman, Pedersen, Cody, Hasegawa, Kirby, Maxwell, Upthegrove, Finn, Eddy, Hunt, Orwall, Rolfes, Morrell, Kenney, Clibborn, Morris, Green, Kagi, Chase, Sells, Wood, Flannigan, Ericks, McCoy, Campbell, Appleton, Pettigrew, White, Blake, Linville, Wallace, Conway, Carlyle, Miloscia, Takko, O'Brien, Hurst and Van De Wege.

Brief Summary of Bill

Directs the DOL to collect a donation of at least $5 for the state park system from all vehicle owners during vehicle registration renewals coming due after July 1, 2009 unless the vehicle owner indicates that he or she intends not to participate in the donation program.

Background:

Most motor vehicles in the state are required to be registered with the Department of Licensing (DOL). Vehicle registrations must be renewed annually with the DOL, during which time the owner of the vehicle has the option to make a $5 donation to the State Parks and Recreation Commission. The owner of the vehicle must actively choose to add a donation onto the vehicle registration renewal.

All donations collected through vehicle registration renewals are deposited into the State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account. This account may be used to operate state parks, develop and renovate park facilities, undertake deferred maintenance, and accomplish other park purposes.

Summary of Bill:

The DOL is directed to collect a donation of at least $5 for the state park system from all vehicle owners during vehicle registration renewals coming due after July 1, 2009. The donation to the state parks system may not be collected from any vehicle owner who indicates, at the time of vehicle registration renewal, that he or she intends not to participate in the donation program.