FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2100

C 6 L 14

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating Seattle University special license plates.

Sponsors: Representatives Johnson, Rodne, Pollet, Zeiger, Tarleton, Senn, Habib, Moscoso, Goodman, Bergquist, Fey, Walkinshaw, Riccelli and Freeman.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

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 the DOL or requests legislation to create the special plate. The sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse the DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate. There is a moratorium on the issuance of new special plates until July 1, 2015.

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 the 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 the DOL. Additionally, the sponsoring organization must submit an annual financial report to the DOL detailing actual revenues generated from the sale of the special license plate. The reports are reviewed, approved, and presented to the Joint Transportation Committee.

The DOL collects special license plate fees and, for administrative expenses, deducts an amount not to exceed $12 for new plate issuance and $2 for renewal. After these expenses are paid, the State Treasurer deposits the proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until the DOL determines the start-up costs for a special license plate are paid.

Summary:

The Seattle University special license plate is created, which displays a symbol or artwork recognizing Seattle University. 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 Seattle University special license plate and a $30 fee is charged for renewal of the plate.

After the costs associated with establishing the special license plates are recovered, proceeds from the sale of the Seattle University special license plates fund scholarships for students attending or planning to attend Seattle University.

The Seattle University special license plate is exempt from the moratorium on new special license plates.

Votes on Final Passage: