SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6201

BYSenators Rasmussen, Johnson and Saling

Expanding eligibility for special license plates for surviving spouses of deceased prisoners of war.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 27, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Conner, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Metcalf, Owen, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 16, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 15, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The legislation passed last year excluded the surviving spouses of deceased former prisoners of war from receiving free special license plates unless they had been married to the POW's during the period of his or her incarceration.  A majority of these prisoners were not married at the time of their incarceration.

It was the original intent of the sponsors that all surviving spouses of POW's be included under the law to receive the special POW plates.

Other individuals currently receiving special free license plates from the Department of Licensing include prisoners of war, permanently disabled veterans and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

SUMMARY:

The requirement that the surviving spouse must have been married to the deceased prisoner of war during the period of incarceration is removed.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Rasmussen, sponsor; Senator Saling, sponsor; Major Francis W. Agnes, U.S. Army