HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6200

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. 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; Harmsworth, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Gregerson, Hayes, Hickel, Kochmar, McBride, Moeller, Morris, Ortiz-Self, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Rossetti, Sells, Shea, Stambaugh, Tarleton and Young.

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.

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 the special license plate are paid.

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Summary of Bill:

The bill creates the Washington's fish special license plate collection. 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's fish 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 special license plates will be deposited into the State Wildlife Account to be used by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to support steelhead species management activities.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The state fish is in pretty deep trouble in the State of Washington, especially in Puget Sound. We are hoping some of the funds from the sale of the special plates will go to restoration efforts. Specifically, we hope that the funds go to increasing genetic analysis, creating better population estimates, increasing spawning ground survey work, and bolstering efforts to monitor interactions between hatchery and wild fish.

(Opposed) None.