SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5152

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.

As of January 25, 2013

Title: An act relating to Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Seahawks special license plates.

Brief Description: Creating Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Seahawks special license plates.

Sponsors: Senators Eide, King, Hobbs, Fain, Hatfield, Delvin, Murray, Frockt, Conway, Kohl-Welles and Shin; by request of Lieutenant Governor.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/29/13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. A governmental or nonprofit organization seeking to sponsor a special plate either submits an application to DOL or requests legislation to create the special plate.

Revenues generated from the sale of a special license plate are first used to reimburse the motor vehicle account for any costs associated with establishing the new plate. After DOL determines that the state has been reimbursed for the cost of implementing the new plate, the remaining revenues are directed to various accounts and uses prescribed by the specific plate. DOL may also deduct up to $12 for an original issue and $2 for the renewal of a special plate to cover administration and collection expenses.

There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates until July 1, 2013.

Summary of Bill: The Seattle Sounders FC special license plate, displaying the Seattle Sounds FC logo, and the Seattle Seahawks special license plate, displaying the Seattle Seahawks logo, are created. In addition to all fees and taxes that must be paid for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 is charged for an original issue Seattle Sounders FC or Seattle Seahawks special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged upon renewal.

The remaining proceeds from the sale of the special license plate after the costs associated with establishing the plates are distributed as follows:

Sounders FC Special Plate. After the Seattle Sounders FC is reimbursed for any startup costs incurred, the proceeds are to be used as follows:

Up to 30 percent, not to exceed $40,000 annually, adjusted for inflation by the Office of Financial Management goes to the Association of Washington Generals to develop educational, veterans, international relations, and civic projects, and to recognize the outstanding public service of individuals or groups.
70 percent and any of the remaining proceeds after distributions are made to the Association of Washington Generals are for the nonprofit organization, Washington State Mentors, to increase the number of mentors in the state by offering mentoring grants throughout Washington State that foster positive youth development and academic success. Up to 20 percent of this amount may be used for program administration costs.

Seattle Seahawks Special Plate. After the Seattle Seahawks are reimbursed for any startup costs incurred, the proceeds are to be used by the nonprofit organization, InvestED, to encourage secondary students who have economic needs to stay in school, return to school, or get involved within their learning community.

The Seattle Sounders FC and the Seattle Seahawks special license plates are exempt from the temporary moratorium on special license plates.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2014.