Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1329
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: Creating "Music Matters" special license plates.
Sponsors: Representatives Maxwell, Liias, Haigh, Dammeier, Armstrong, McCoy, Finn, Billig, Hunt, Probst, Lytton, Kenney, Ryu, Frockt, Sells, Jacks, Orwall, Van De Wege, Roberts, Tharinger and Miloscia.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/11
Staff: Debbie Driver (786-7143).
Background:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. A governmental or nonprofit sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor a special plate either submits an application to the DOL or requests legislation to create the special plate. Generally, the sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse the DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate.
For special license plates that are enacted by the legislature, a sponsoring organization must, within 30 days of enactment, submit prepayment of all start-up costs to the DOL. If the sponsoring organization is not able to meet the prepayment requirement, revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate are first used to pay off any costs associated with establishing the new plate. The sponsoring organization must also provide a proposed license plate design to the DOL. Additionally, the sponsoring organization must submit an annual financial report to the DOL detailing actual revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate.
There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates until June 30, 2011.
Summary of Bill:
The bill creates a "Music Matters" special license plate which would display the "Music Matters" logo. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40.00 would be charged for a "Music Matters" special license plate and a $30.00 fee is charged for renewal of a special license plate.
The DOL is to collect the special license plate fees and deduct an amount not to exceed $12.00 for new plate issuance and $2.00 for renewal. These deductions are provided to offset the administration and collection expenses associated with the "Music Matters" special license plate. After these expenses are paid, the State Treasurer deposits proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until the DOL determines the start-up costs for the "Music Matters" special license plate are paid. Once all start-up costs are paid, the State Treasurer deposits remaining special license plate fee amounts for each plate into the "Music Matters" Awareness Account which is created in the bill.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.