SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1329
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 of March 31, 2011
Title: An act relating to "Music Matters" special license plates.
Brief Description: Creating "Music Matters" special license plates.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Maxwell, Liias, Haigh, Dammeier, Armstrong, McCoy, Finn, Billig, Hunt, Probst, Lytton, Kenney, Ryu, Frockt, Sells, Jacks, Orwall, Van De Wege, Roberts, Tharinger and Miloscia).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/22/11, 89-5.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/31/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. A governmental or nonprofit sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor a special plate either submits an application to DOL or requests legislation to create the special plate. Generally, the sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate.
For special license plates that are enacted by the Legislature, a sponsoring organization must, within 30 days of enactment, submit prepayment of all start-up costs to DOL. If the sponsoring organization is not able to meet the prepayment requirement, revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate are first used to pay off any costs associated with establishing the new plate. The sponsoring organization must also provide a proposed license plate design to DOL. Additionally, the sponsoring organization must submit an annual financial report to DOL detailing actual revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate.
There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates until June 30, 2011.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Amendment): The act creates a Music Matters special license plate which would display the Music Matters logo. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 is charged for a Music Matters special license plate and a $30 fee is charged for renewal of a special license plate.
The Music Matters funds may be used to promote music education in schools throughout Washington.
DOL will address all applicable special license plates reports to the Joint Transportation Committee.
The Music Matters special license plate is exempt from the temporary moratorium on special license plates.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2012.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill will help create a consistent source of funding for music programs. Music is important, and music teachers have to use their own money currently. The economy has hurt music education. Music programs help students excel in other subjects. The bill should not have much of a fiscal impact on the state. Music motivates kids to stay in school, turns trouble youths lives around, enhances people's lives, and helps with brain development.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jonna O'Keefe, Chimacum Middle School, Music Aid Northwest; Bruce Caldwell, Washington Music Educators Association; Bob Tomberg, Reek Havok, Tony La Stella, Music Aid Northwest; Michael McMorrow, Synergia Northwest; Shirley Fricke, music instructor.