SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 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.

Title: An act relating to 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.

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: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by 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).

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Tom, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Fairley, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McDermott, Oemig, Pridemore, Regala and Rockefeller.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Hewitt, Pflug and Schoesler.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senators Brandland and Parlette.

Background: Persons must ensure that a vehicle is properly licensed before operating that vehicle on a public highway. License tab fees are $30 for motor vehicles, which include cars, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, and motor homes. License fees for vehicles including trucks, tractors, and busses are imposed on a sliding scale based on weight.

Vehicle registrations must be renewed annually with the Department of Licensing (DOL), during which time the owner of the vehicle has the option to make a $5 donation to the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission). All donations collected through vehicle registration renewals are deposited into the State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account (Account) and may only be used for the operation and maintenance of state parks.

Summary of Bill: The DOL is directed to collect a donation of $5 from all vehicle owners whose vehicle registration renewals are due on or after September 1, 2009. Revenue collected from these donations may only be used for the operation and maintenance of state parks.

The DOL must ensure that the opt-out donation is clear, visible, and prominently displayed in both paper and online renewals. 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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill could raise $28 million to keep the state parks open. Without this funding source, it may be necessary to close up to 50 state parks. This is a prudent and inventive funding plan and anyone who wants to can opt out.