Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
SB 5161
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: Authorizing certain eligible family members of United States armed forces members who died while in service or as a result of service to apply for gold star license plates.
Sponsors: Senators Braun, Carrell, Padden, Bailey, Becker, Fain, Roach, Sheldon, Dammeier, Honeyford, Schoesler, Conway, Rolfes and Kohl-Welles.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/14/13
Staff: Paul Ingiosi (786-7114).
Background:
In the 2008 session the Legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill 6678, the Armed Forces license plate bill, which authorized the Department of Licensing (DOL) to issue special license plates denoting the recipient of the plate was the parent of a member of the United States armed forces who died while in service to his or her country or as a result of their service. The DOL was prohibited from setting or charging an additional fee for these plates but all other license fees still applied. Applicants had to be a resident of Washington and a mother or father of the member of the United States armed forces. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) would certify those who were eligible.
For purposes of eligibility the term "parent" was defined by the DVA to include:
birth mother;
birth father;
stepmother;
stepfather;
mother through adoption;
father through adoption; and
adults who fulfilled the parental role including foster parents and kinship care provider or caretaker relative.
In 2010 the "Vehicle and Vessel Title and Registration Statutes - Reorganization" bill passed by the Legislature codified the Gold Star license plate.
Under current law, only the parents of a member of the United States armed forces who died in service or as a result of service may apply for Gold Star license plates.
Summary of Bill:
Eligibility for Gold Star license plates is expanded to include a widow or widower, an adoptive parent, a stepparent, and a foster parent or other adult that is legally responsible for the United States armed forces member who died while in service or as a result of service.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2013.