SENATE 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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 27, 2012

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).

Majority Report: Do pass.

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

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, or 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 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: PRO: This bill is a technical fix that will allow people with a disabled parking plate access to all of the specialty plates that are available.