HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 2574

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.

Title: An act relating to special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities.

Brief Description: Allowing special year tabs on certain special license plates for persons with disabilities.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Kristiansen and Pearson).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 1/24/12, 1/30/12 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/9/12, 97-0.

Passed Senate: 2/29/12, 48-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Makes available a special year tab for persons with disabilities to any special license plate, except the collector vehicle, horseless carriage, and ride share special license plates.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 28 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Billig, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Asay, Eddy, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, McCune, Moeller, Morris, Moscoso, Overstreet, Reykdal, Rivers, Rodne, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.

Background:

A registered owner who qualifies for special parking privileges as a person with a disability may apply to the Department of Licensing for special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities. Special year tabs for persons with disabilities are not available on all special license plate designs, for example, Amateur Radio (ham radio), Music Matters, and Volunteer Firefighters. In addition, special year tabs for persons with disabilities are also not available for license plates on certain vehicles which are not for general use, including horseless carriages, collector vehicles, and ride share vehicles.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

Special year tabs for persons with disabilities are made available for any special license plate, except the collector vehicle, horseless carriage, and ride share special license plates.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Over the years, there have been many custom license plate bills for many issues and groups. The problem is that some of these bills authorizing special license plates did not allow the handicapped endorsement. This bill is a technical fix. It will make sure that all special license plates, for instance those for veterans groups and ham operators, can have the handicap endorsement.

(Opposed) None.