SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1933

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.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; White, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Ericksen, Hill, Hobbs, Litzow, Nelson, Shin and Swecker.

Background: A registered owner may apply for a collector vehicle license plate for a vehicle that is at least 30 years old. The owner may receive a collector plate that is assigned by the Department of Licensing (DOL) or the owner can provide an actual Washington State-issued license plate designated for general use in the year of the vehicle's manufacture. The original registration amount is $35; the plates are valid for the life of the vehicle, are not required to be renewed, may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle, and must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle.

These vehicles can only be used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional driving.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): Any person who knowingly provides a false or facsimile license plate for a collector vehicle may be charged with a traffic infraction, instead of a misdemeanor, with a monetary penalty of $216 and $35 for the cost of a custom plate.

Also, a $10 fee is imposed when a person wants to transfer a custom vehicle license plate from one custom vehicle to another.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Any person who knowingly provides a false or facsimile license plate for a collector vehicle may be charged with a traffic infraction, instead of a misdemeanor, with a monetary penalty of $216 and $35 for the cost of a custom plate.

Also, a $10 fee is imposed when a person wants to transfer a custom vehicle license plate from one custom vehicle to another.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2011, except for section 2, relating to prescribing penalties, which takes effect on January 1, 2012.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute House Bill: PRO: Stops use of false collector vehicle license plates. People are currently using false collector vehicle license plates.