HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1830

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: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Farrell, Vice Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Moscoso, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Gregerson, Harmsworth, Hayes, Kochmar, McBride, Moeller, Morris, Ortiz-Self, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Sells, Shea, Takko, Tarleton, Wilson, Young and Zeiger.

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 by the DOL 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.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The bill creates the Washington State Wrestling special license plate, which promotes and supports college wrestling in Washington. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 would be charged for a Washington State Wrestling 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, funds would go to the Washington State Wrestling Foundation to fund new and existing college wrestling programs.

The bill exempts the Washington State Wrestling special license plate from the moratorium on new special license plates.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) There is a shortage of college wrestling programs, mainly due to a lack of funding. At one point, Washington had over 20 wrestling teams from two- and four-year colleges. In 1990 the last Division I wrestling program ended. Washington is down to one two-year program at Highline College. Wrestling participation continues to grow in Washington, over 8,000 boys and 1,000 girls are involved in high school wrestling. A lack of Washington colleges with wrestling causes many of those students to go out of state for school. The goal is to sell 4,000 plates, which will hopefully fund two to three college programs. The Washington State Wrestling Foundation will look at applications and fund both varsity and club programs. The money will help schools such as Highline or club teams get funded so the kids can compete.

(Opposed) None.