FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1320

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: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Reeves, McDonald, Dolan, Stambaugh, Kilduff, Ryu, Klippert, Tarleton, Appleton, Sawyer, Jinkins, Bergquist, Pellicciotti, McBride and Riccelli).

Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. Generally, special license plates that are sponsored by a governmental or nonprofit organization have an additional fee that is due annually, with the proceeds benefiting a specific organization or purpose. Other special license plates are available to individuals that meet certain requirements. One such special plate is the Gold Star license plate, which may be issued to the sibling, mother, father, widow or widower, a biological or adopted child, an adoptive parent, a stepparent, a foster parent, or other adult that is legally responsible for a member of the Armed Forces who died while in service or as a result of that service. Gold Star license plates are issued without payment of any license plate fees and are replaced free of charge if the plate is lost, stolen, damaged, defaced, or destroyed. Additionally, a widow or widower recipient of the Gold Star license plate is exempt from annual vehicle registration fees. This qualifying special license plate is limited to one personal use motor vehicle per individual.

Summary:

The widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces who died while in service or as a result of that service may apply for a standard issue license plate in lieu of the Gold Star special license plate for one personal use motor vehicle and be exempt from both annual vehicle registration and license plate fees for that vehicle.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	98	0
Senate	49	0