Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2522
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: Modifying qualifications for disabled veterans to receive fee exempt license plates.
Sponsors: Representatives Pike, Blake, Kraft, Peterson, Orcutt, Shea, Vick, Caldier, Manweller, Reeves, Doglio, Riccelli, Smith, Muri, McBride, Wylie, Hargrove, Eslick, Stanford, Tharinger, Kilduff and Young.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/17/18
Staff: Travis Yonker (786-7383).
Background:
There are a number of special license plate categories established to recognize various groups. The Department of licensing (DOL) is responsible for processing special license plate applications. One category of special license plates that the DOL processes is the Disabled American Veteran or Former Prisoner of War special license plate, which is issued without payment of vehicle license fees, license plate fees, or excise taxes. To qualify for the Disabled American Veteran or Former Prisoner of War special license plate, an applicant must be a veteran and also be the registered owner of the vehicle. In addition, the applicant must meet one of the following requirements:
the veteran has a service-connected disability rating;
the veteran has lost the use of both hands or one foot;
the veteran was captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during war and has received a prisoner of war medal;
the veteran has become blind in both eyes as the result of military service; or
the veteran is receiving service-connected disability compensation at the 100 percent rate.
The Veterans Administration generally determines compensation for disabled veterans based on the percentage of service-connected disability rating. If a veteran has two or more separate service-related disabilities, they may be aggregated to calculate a final total percentage rating. In addition, the Veterans Administration may consider the individual unemployability of the veteran to increase the percentage of compensation beyond the service-connected disability rating up to 100 percent.
Summary of Bill:
Veterans may qualify for a Disabled American Veteran or Former Prisoner of War license plate if the veteran has a service-connected disability and is receiving service-connected disability compensation at the 75 percent rate or higher.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/12/18.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.