SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6433

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 February 4, 2020

Title: An act relating to creating Washington state women veterans special license plates.

Brief Description: Creating Washington state women veterans special license plates.

Sponsors: Senators Rolfes, Wilson, L., Randall, Darneille, Wilson, C. and Becker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/03/20.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates the women veterans special license plate.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

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 DOL or requests legislation to create the special plate.

Under the DOL application method, the application packet must include the design of the special license plate, proof of 3500 signatures supporting the special license plate, and a start-up fee of $6,300. For special license plates enacted by the Legislature, a sponsoring organization must submit prepayment of all start-up costs to DOL within 30 days of enactment.

The sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate must reimburse DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate. 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 provide a proposed license plate design to DOL. The sponsoring organization must submit an annual financial report to 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.

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 DOL determines the start-up costs for a special license plate are paid. After that point, all remaining proceeds go to the sponsoring organization.

Summary of Bill: A new special license plate is created that recognizes the efforts of women veterans. The net proceeds are directed towards creating and implementing programs to benefit women veterans. A $40 fee will be charged for an initial women veterans special license plate, and $30 for an annual renewal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2020.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Women veterans are not recognized as much as their male counterparts, this bill is part of the effort to provide equal footing in recognizing women veterans.  Something as simple of a special license plate can add to the self esteem of the state’s women veterans.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Tanja Struyck-Fogleman, citizen.

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