HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 2299

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.

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/8/12, 93-1.

Senate Amended.

Passed Senate: 2/28/12, 46-3.

Passed House: 3/3/12, 94-1.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Creates the 4-H and state flower special license plates.
Creates the 4-H Programs Account in the state treasury.
Creates the State Flower Account in the state treasury.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 21 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Billig, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Eddy, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, McCune, Moeller, Moscoso, Overstreet, Reykdal, Rivers, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.

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. There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates by the DOL until June 30, 2013.

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 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.

The DOL collects special license plate fees and, for administrative expenses, deducts an amount not to exceed $12 for new plate issuance and $2 for renewal. After these expenses are paid, the State Treasurer deposits proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until the DOL determines the start-up costs for a special license plate are paid.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

The bill creates a 4-H special license plate which would display the 4-H logo. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 would be charged for a 4-H special license plate and a $30 fee is charged for renewal of a special license plate.

The bill creates a state flower special license plate which would recognize the Washington state flower. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 would be charged for a state flower special license plate and a $30 fee is charged for renewal of a special license plate.

Once all start-up costs are paid, the State Treasurer deposits remaining special license plate fee amounts for each plate into the 4-H Programs Account and State Flower Account, which are created in the bill.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The 4-H program is part of the Extension Service overseen by the Washington State University. The organization is over 100 years old and is a statewide and nationwide program. Ninety thousand youth are involved, not just in exhibiting animals and home production projects, but also in the "Know Your Government" conference with 300 student participants. The 4-H youth are urban, rural, and suburban. It is a family-oriented program. Over 6,000 adult volunteers are involved, contributing 23 million volunteer hours in 2011. Revenues from these special license plates will benefit 4-H programs statewide.

(Opposed) None.