SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5085
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Transportation, January 26, 2015
Title: An act relating to gold star license plates.
Brief Description: Authorizing siblings 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 Rolfes, Dammeier, Conway, Benton, Chase, Billig, Ranker, Hobbs, Fraser, McAuliffe and Pearson.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/22/15, 1/26/15 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators King, Chair; Fain, Vice Chair; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Baumgartner, Cleveland, Ericksen, Habib, Jayapal, Miloscia, Pedersen, Rivers and Sheldon.
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)
Background: The Department of Licensing issues various special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. Generally, special license plates that are sponsored by a governmental or nonprofit organization have an additional fee that is due annually, with the proceeds benefiting a specific organization or purpose. Other special license plates are available to individuals that meet certain requirements. One such special plate is the Gold Star license plate, which may be issued to the mother, father, widow or widower, a biological or adopted child, an adoptive parent, a stepparent, and a foster parent or other adult that is legally responsible for the member of the armed forces who died while in service and as a result of that service. Gold Star license plates are issued without payment of any license plate fees and are replaced free of charge if the plate is lost, stolen, damaged, defaced, or destroyed.
Summary of Bill: The list of individuals who are eligible to receive a Gold Star license plate is expanded to include a sibling of the member of the armed forces who died while in service and as a result of that service.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The family members of a member of the armed forces that is killed in service to their country are eligible to receive the national Gold Star Award and this bill makes the Gold Star plate eligible to each family member that is eligible to receive the award, and extends it to siblings. This is a meaningful award for those that have lost family to service.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rolfes, prime sponsor; David Ellingson, citizen.