SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5410

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, February 25, 2015

Title: An act relating to modifying qualifications for disabled veterans to receive fee exempt license plates.

Brief Description: Modifying qualifications for disabled veterans to receive fee exempt license plates.

Sponsors: Senators Roach, Angel, Miloscia, Bailey, Padden, Warnick, Hill, Dammeier and Benton.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/23/15, 2/25/15 [DPS, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5410 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators King, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Fain, Vice Chair, Budget ; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Baumgartner, Cleveland, Ericksen, Habib, Jayapal, Litzow, Miloscia and Sheldon.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Pedersen.

Staff: Kellee Keegan (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 Disabled Veteran license plate, which may be issued to individual that served in the armed forces of the United States, Reserves, or National Guard and had an honorable discharge or a discharge for medical reasons with an honorable record and has a 100 percent service-connected disability rating from the Veterans Administration or the military service from which they were discharged. An eligible individual may display Disabled Veteran license plates on one personal-use vehicle. The Disabled Veteran license plate is exempt from all taxes and fees due at registration. An eligible individual, in lieu of displaying a Disabled Veteran license plate, may display a standard issue license plate or other special license plate and receive the exemption from taxes and fees on one personal-use vehicle.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The disability rating to be eligible for a Disabled Veteran license plate is reduced from 100 percent to 50 percent.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Makes a technical correction.

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 on Original Bill: PRO: Even a 50 percent disability is not given out lightly so even with the extra cost this is the right thing to do.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Roach, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.