HB 1879-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Provides that, beginning with vehicle registrations that are due or become due July 1, 2005, and thereafter, at the time of initial vehicle registration or upon periodic replacement of license plates under RCW 46.16.233, the registered owner shall pay and the department shall collect an additional fee of three dollars for each license plate issued, to assist in funding traffic safety education.

Requires the department to transmit the fee to the state treasurer for deposit into the public safety and education account. The amount so deposited may be used only for reducing the cost of traffic safety education courses under chapter 28A.220 RCW.

Directs the office of the superintendent of public instruction to report by July 1, 2006, to the transportation committees of the legislature regarding the expenditure of the funds collected through the fee created in this act. The report will include, but not be limited to, information regarding: (1) The number of students in each school district that applied for scholarships to driver training schools licensed under chapter 46.82 RCW;

(2) The number of students in each school district that received scholarships to driver training schools licensed under chapter 46.82 RCW;

(3) The dollar amount of the scholarship offered in each school district;

(4) The percentage of students in each school district that enrolled in a school district-provided traffic safety education course; and

(5) The number of students that enrolled in driver training schools licensed under chapter 46.82 RCW.

Provides that each school district will offer to students the option of either enrolling in a school district-provided traffic safety education course or receiving a scholarship of an equivalent amount to enroll in any drivers' school licensed under chapter 46.82 RCW, based on available funds received under this act.

Provides that, in accordance with funding received under this act, the board shall set a reduced fee for students qualified to receive school lunches on a reduced-cost or free basis.