SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6151
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. |
As of January 30, 2018
Title: An act relating to creating a special license plate to support the maintenance and improvements of Washington state parks.
Brief Description: Creating a special license plate to support the maintenance and improvements of Washington state parks.
Sponsors: Senators Rivers, Hobbs, King, Mullet, Van De Wege and Kuderer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/29/18.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
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 DOL or requests legislation to create the special plate. The sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate.
For special license plates that are enacted by the Legislature, a sponsoring organization must submit prepayment of all start-up costs to DOL within 30 days of enactment. 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 DOL. Additionally, the sponsoring organization must submit an annual financial report to 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.
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 DOL determines the start-up costs for a special license plate are paid. After that point, all remaining proceeds go to the sponsoring organization.
In 2005, DOL began issuing a special license plate recognizing Washington State parks. The net proceeds are used to provide public educational opportunities and enhancement of Washington State parks.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): A new special license plate is created that displays a symbol or artwork recognizing the cultural significance of Sasquatch in Washington State history and folklore. The net proceeds will be deposited into the Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account and will be used to provide support for the maintenance and improvements of Washington State parks. A fee of $40 will be charged for an initial Sasquatch special license plate and $30 for an annual renewal.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2019.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute: PRO: This will allow the support of state parks and recognize an important cultural figure. This provides another mechanism to allow people to contribute towards parks improvements.
OTHER: The extra effort to support state parks is appreciated, but it seems to make more sense to have the new special license plate revenues go to the same place as the existing one.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Ann Rivers, Prime Sponsor. OTHER: Daniel Farber, Washington State Parks.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.