HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6254

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Sheldon, Bailey, Rivers, Roach, O'Ban, Hill, Becker, Miloscia, Angel, Warnick, Honeyford, Padden, Hobbs, Pearson, Hargrove, Braun, Dammeier, Fain, Parlette, Hewitt, Schoesler, Baumgartner, Ericksen, Rolfes, Conway, Mullet and Chase).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/22/16, 2/29/16 [DP].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Allows individuals qualified to display Purple Heart special license plates to purchase additional plates for use on more than one motor vehicle.

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:

A registered owner of a motor vehicle in Washington who has served in the Armed Forces and has been awarded a Purple Heart medal may qualify for a Purple Heart special license plate for use on only one motor vehicle. Purple Heart special license plates must be issued without the payment of an additional special license plate fee. Surviving spouses or domestic partners may also qualify for a Purple Heart special license plate.

Summary of Bill:

Individuals qualified to display Purple Heart special license plates may purchase additional Purple Heart special license plates for use on more than one motor vehicle. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a $40 fee is charged for an additional Purple Heart special license plate and a $30 fee is charged for renewal of the plate.

Proceeds from the sale of the special license plates will be deposited into the Veterans Stewardship Account to be used by the Department of Veterans Affairs for activities that benefit veterans or their families, including but not limited to, providing programs and services for homeless veterans; establishing memorials honoring veterans; and maintaining a future state veterans' cemetery.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is a good way for veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart to be recognized and the funds from the sale of the plates go to benefit the veterans. The Veterans Legislative Coalition supports the bill.

(Opposed) None.