Brief Description: Authorizing the issuance of special license plates to parents of United States armed forces members who have died while in service to his or her country or as a result of such service.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Prentice, Hobbs, Swecker, McCaslin, Brandland, Spanel, Jacobsen, Oemig, Fairley, Franklin, Fraser, King, Eide, Marr, Brown, Carrell, Berkey, Hatfield, Rasmussen, Rockefeller, Regala, Pridemore, Tom, Sheldon, Hargrove, Weinstein, Shin, Parlette, Murray, McAuliffe, Stevens, Kohl-Welles, Roach and Holmquist).

Hearing Date: 2/26/08

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

The DOL issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. A governmental or nonprofit organization seeking to sponsor a special plate either makes application with the Special License Plate Review Board or requests legislation to create the special plate. Generally, the organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse the DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate. There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates until June 30, 2009.

Summary of Bill:

The DOL may issue special license plates to the parents of a member of the United States armed forces who died while in service to their country or as a result of such service, as certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). The DOL may not charge a fee above the standard license plate fee. The special license plate is exempt from the requirement that the DOL be reimbursed for the costs associated with establishing the new special plate and the moratorium on the issuance of new special plates.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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