SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5990

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: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5990 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

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.

Revenues generated from the sale of a special license plate are first used to reimburse the motor vehicle account for any costs associated with establishing the new plate. After DOL determines that the state has been reimbursed for the cost of implementing the new plate, the remaining revenues are directed to various accounts and uses prescribed by the specific plate. DOL may also deduct up to $12 for an original issue and $2 for the renewal of a special plate to cover administration and collection expenses.

There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates until July 1, 2013.

Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill: The state flower special license plate, recognizing the Washington State flower is created. In addition to all fees and taxes that are required to be paid for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 is charged for an original issue state flower special license plate and a $30 fee is charged for renewal of a special license plate.

Proceeds from the state flower special license plate are to support the Meerkerk Rhododendron Garden and to provide grants to other nonprofit organizations that work to preserve rhododendrons.

The state flower special license plate is exempt from the temporary moratorium on special license plates.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This will provide a significant revenue source that will allow the Meerkerk Rhododendron Garden to make grants to other native plant horticultural propagation and preservation efforts. Funding lately for nonprofits has been very difficult. Meerkerk has a unique collection of hybrids and species rhododendrons. A number of hybrids have been developed at the Meerkerk Gardens.