Title: An act relating to full disclosure of vehicle taxes and license fees.

Brief Description: Requiring full disclosure of vehicle taxes and license fees.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Nixon, Rodne and Woods).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/06, 95-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/23/06.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)

Background: Vehicle owners must register their vehicles with the Department of Licensing (DOL), and renew this registration annually. Current law applies certain fees to initial or renewal vehicle registration. Examples of fees include the license tab fee, transaction filing fee, weight fees, and excise taxes for certain local taxing districts.

When persons initially register their vehicles or renew their registrations, they receive a vehicle registration form, tabs for their vehicle plates, and new plates when applicable. The vehicle registration lists the fees paid.

Each year the DOL sends out vehicle registration renewal notices. These notices state the total amount of fees due. If the registered owner lives inside a local taxing district, the renewal notice lists the excise tax due, the name of the local taxing authority, and the taxing authority's phone number.

Summary of Bill: In addition to the total amount due, the DOL is required to list the following on vehicle license renewal notices for vehicle registration due on or after August 1, 2006:

• the amount of each license fee and excise tax due;
• what jurisdiction imposed the tax or fee; and
• for voter approved taxes, include the term "voter approved."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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