HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1568

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.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Farrell, Vice Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Harmsworth, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chapman, Gregerson, Hayes, Irwin, Lovick, McBride, Morris, Ortiz-Self, Pellicciotti, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Stambaugh, Tarleton, Van Werven and Young.

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. The sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse the DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate.

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 off 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 reports are reviewed, approved, and presented to the Joint Transportation Committee.

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 the proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until the DOL determines the start-up costs for a special license plate are paid. Once start-up costs for a special license plate are paid, the State Treasurer credits the remaining special license plate fee amounts into an account specified for the sponsoring organization.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The bill creates the Fred Hutch special license plate with the purpose of supporting the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 will be charged for a Fred Hutch special license plate and a $30 fee will be charged for renewal of the plate.

After the costs associated with establishing the special license plate are recovered, proceeds from the sale of the special license plates will be provided to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to support cancer research.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Cancer is one of the worst diseases people face, but progress is being made toward finding cures for different cancers. This license plate creates another avenue for financing to eradicate cancer overall.

There is strong support from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center researchers, patients, survivors, and donors. The organization has a rich history in Washington, and it is on the cusp of breakthroughs in cures. Cancer is a disease that affects nearly every family in Washington. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is committed to getting researchers and doctors what they need. This special license plate gives Washingtonians an opportunity to unite and provide support for cures.

(Opposed) None.