SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6327

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 11, 2002

Title:  An act relating to United We Stand license plates.

Brief Description:  Authorizing "United We Stand" license plates.

Sponsors:  Senators Johnson, Zarelli, Hale, Hewitt, Benton, Rossi, Morton, Horn, Winsley, Finkbeiner, Haugen, Keiser, Long, Rasmussen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/25/02, 2/11/02 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6327 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Benton, Eide, Horn, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, McAuliffe, McDonald, Oke, Prentice, T. Sheldon and Shin.

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786‑7434)

Background:  Special motor vehicle license plates are those plates containing a unique design recognizing a particular organization or membership in a particular group.  Some of these special plates are used to raise money for  particular causes and others are used to honor residents of the state for particular activities.  In addition to special license plates, license plate emblems are also used to recognize or honor groups.  Special license plate emblems are affixed to a vehicle license plate by pressure sensitive adhesive so as not to obscure the numbers or letters.

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the phrase "United We Stand" has become a recognized standard used to honor the victims of the attack, to celebrate the nation's united strength, and to honor the flag.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A United We Stand license plate emblem is authorized to be displayed in a manner described by the Department of Licensing.  The department and the Washington State Patrol jointly create and design the emblem but the emblem must include the flag of the United States, and the slogan "United We Stand."

The fee for each emblem must not exceed a total of $15 but includes an amount sufficient to offset the costs of production of emblems and administration of the program.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The special license plate is replaced by a special emblem and the cost is reduced from $40 to a maximum of $15.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 14, 2002.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The idea to develop the United We Stand special plate rose out of the emotions following the September 11 attacks.  Creation of the special plate provides a means for citizens to honor the victims of the attacks and to unite with others in celebrating the flag.  Any funds generated for the sale of the special plate will be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Senator Steve Johnson, prime sponsor; Heidi Barrick.