SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6237
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed Senate, February 19, 2008
Title: An act relating to armed forces and veterans license plates.
Brief Description: Modifying armed forces provisions.
Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Haugen, Shin, McCaslin, Rasmussen, Hobbs and Marr; by request of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/28/08, 1/29/08 [DP].
Passed Senate: 2/19/08, 48-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Kastama, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that can
be used in lieu of standard plates.
The DOL issues armed forces special license plates, which are a series of six plates that contain
a symbol representing different branches of the armed forces. The special plates are available
only to veterans, active duty military personnel, reservists, members of the Washington National
Guard, and spouses of deceased veterans. The charge is $40 above the standard licensing fee for
initial issuance, and $30 above the standard fee for renewal. The DOL also issues decals free of
charge to be placed on a license plate indicating the purchaser's military status.
Proceeds from the sale of the armed forces license plates are deposited into the Veterans
Stewardship Account (account). The Washington State Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA)
may also accept grants and gifts to deposit into the account. The account must be used by the
DVA for activities that benefit veterans.
The DOL issues former prisoner of war special license plates free of charge to veterans who were
held captive during a period of war for more than 29 days.
Summary of Bill: References to Washington are deleted when referring to the National Guard
special license plate, expanding eligibility to include the National Guard of any state.
In addition to spouses, other family members of living or deceased veterans and current service
members may purchase an armed forces special license plate and receive a decal.
The eligibility criteria to receive a prisoner of war special license plate is changed from a veteran
who was held captive during a period of war for more than 29 days to a veteran that was held
captive and received a prisoner of war medal.
In addition to veterans, families of veterans may receive funds from the account through the
DVA.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Any time in captivity is too long, so there should be no minimum requirement. We should honor those who have sacrificed for the freedoms we all enjoy.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Claudia White, Port Orchard; Alfio Alvarado, Deputy Director, Department of Veterans Affairs.