Brief Description: Authorizing a "Ski & Ride Washington" license plate.

Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Ericksen, Linville, Kristiansen, Grant, Serben, Walsh, Sells and Strow.

Hearing Date: 2/14/05

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

The Legislature created the Special License Plate Review Board in the 2003 session to review special vehicle license plate applications from governmental or nonprofit organizations in Washington state. The Board must verify the organization and proposed plate meet criteria set by state law, and then forwards the approved application to the Legislature.

On December 10, 2004, the Board approved the 49 Degrees North Winter Sports Foundation's "Ski and Ride Washington" license plate application.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Licensing must issue a special license plate displaying a symbol or artwork recognizing the Washington snowsports industry.

An applicant for a "Ski and Ride Washington" license plate pays an initial fee of $40 and an annual renewal fee of $30. The initial revenue generated from the plate sales must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Account until the state has been reimbursed for implementation costs. After reimbursement, the revenue must be deposited into the Ski and Ride Washington Account. Proceeds from this account promote winter snowsports such as skiing and snowboarding and related programs such as ski and ride safety programs, underprivileged youth programs, and active, healthy lifestyle programs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.