BP BHEAD INT H

AN ACT Relating to vehicle license plates for officers of a recognized foreign organization; amending RCW 82.80.020; adding new sections to chapter 46.16 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 82.44 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 46.16 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department shall provide for the issuance of special license plates, in lieu of regular motor vehicle license plates, for passenger vehicles having manufacturers' rated carrying capacities of one ton or less that are owned or leased by an instrumentality established by a foreign government recognized by the United States before January 1, 1979, and that is without official representation or diplomatic relations with the United States. The department shall issue the special license plates in a distinguishing color, running in a separate numerical series, and bearing the words "Foreign Organization." A vehicle for which special license plates are issued under this section is exempt from regular license fees under RCW 46.16.060, excise tax under RCW 82.44.020, and any additional vehicle license fees imposed under RCW 82.80.020.

(2) Whenever the owner or lessee as provided in subsection (1) of this section transfers or assigns the interest or title in the motor vehicle for which the special plates were issued, the plates must be removed from the motor vehicle, and if another qualified vehicle is acquired, attached to that vehicle, and the director must be immediately notified of the transfer of the plates; otherwise the removed plates must be immediately forwarded to the director to be destroyed. Whenever the owner or lessee as provided in subsection (1) of this section is for any reason relieved of his or her duties as a representative of a recognized foreign organization, he or she shall immediately forward the special plates to the director, who shall upon receipt dispose of the plates as otherwise provided by law.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 46.16 RCW to read as follows:

A motor vehicle owned or leased by a recognized foreign organization eligible for a special license plate under section 1 of this act is exempt from the payment of license fees for the licensing of the vehicle as provided in this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 82.44 RCW to read as follows:

Motor vehicles licensed under section 1 of this act are exempt from the taxes imposed in RCW 82.44.020 (1) and (2). When the motor vehicle ceases to be used for the purposes of section 1 of this act or at the time of its retail sale, the excise tax imposed in RCW 82.44.020 (1) and (2) must be imposed in an amount equal to one-twelfth of the annual excise tax then in effect, for each full month remaining in the vehicle's registration year.

Sec. 4. RCW 82.80.020 and 1993 c 60 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The legislative authority of a county may fix and impose an additional fee, not to exceed fifteen dollars per vehicle, for each vehicle that is subject to license fees under RCW 46.16.060 and is determined by the department of licensing to be registered within the boundaries of the county.

(2) The department of licensing shall administer and collect the fee. The department shall deduct a percentage amount, as provided by contract, not to exceed two percent of the taxes collected, for administration and collection expenses incurred by it. The remaining proceeds shall be remitted to the custody of the state treasurer for monthly distribution under RCW 82.80.080.

(3) The proceeds of this fee shall be used strictly for transportation purposes in accordance with RCW 82.80.070.

(4) A county imposing this fee or initiating an exemption process shall delay the effective date at least six months from the date the ordinance is enacted to allow the department of licensing to implement administration and collection of or exemption from the fee.

(5) The legislative authority of a county may develop and initiate an exemption process of the fifteen dollar fee for the registered owners of vehicles residing within the boundaries of the county (a) who are sixty-one years old or older at the time payment of the fee is due and whose household income for the previous calendar year is less than an amount prescribed by the county legislative authority, or (b) who has a physical disability.

(6) The legislative authority of a county shall develop and initiate an exemption process of the fifteen-dollar fee for vehicles registered within the boundaries of the county that are licensed under section 1 of this act.