HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2669
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 Passed House:
February 19, 2020
Title: An act relating to creating Seattle NHL hockey special license plates.
Brief Description: Creating Seattle NHL hockey special license plates.
Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, MacEwen, Lovick and Tharinger.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/6/20, 2/10/20 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/19/20, 95-3.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 30 members: Representatives Fey, Chair; Wylie, 1st Vice Chair; Slatter, 2nd Vice Chair; Valdez, 2nd Vice Chair; Barkis, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Young, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Boehnke, Chambers, Chapman, Dent, Doglio, Duerr, Entenman, Eslick, Goehner, Gregerson, Irwin, Kloba, Lovick, McCaslin, Mead, Orcutt, Ortiz-Self, Paul, Ramos, Riccelli, Shewmake, Van Werven and Volz.
Staff: Christine Thomas (786-7142).
Background:
Special License Plates.
The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. An organization seeking to sponsor a special license plate must be a nonprofit organization, a professional sports franchise working in conjunction with a nonprofit organization, or a government agency. The sponsoring organization may choose one of two ways of creating a special license plate.
Application Process and Legislation. In this method, a sponsoring organization submits an application to the DOL prior to pursuing legislation. The application packet must include the design of the special license plate, proof of 3,500 signatures in support of the special license plate, and the start-up fee of $6,300. After the DOL approves the application, the sponsoring organization must pursue legislation to create the special license plate.
Legislation Without the Department of Licensing's Review. In this method, a sponsoring organization pursues legislation without applying to the DOL first. Once the bill is enacted, the sponsoring organization must provide the design of the special license plate and the start-up fee of $6,300 to the DOL within 30 days.
In both methods, if the sponsoring organization can prove that they are unable to provide the start-up fee up front, then revenues from the sale of the special license plate will be used to pay this fee. On an annual basis, the sponsoring organization must submit a financial report to the DOL detailing actual revenues from the sale of the special license plate. The DOL compiles these reports and presents them to the transportation committees of the Legislature.
The DOL collects special license plate fees and, for administrative expenses, retains an amount not to exceed $12 for new plate issuance and $2 for renewal of the plate. The State Treasurer then deposits the remaining proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until the DOL determines that the start-up fee of $6,300 is paid. Once the start-up fee is paid, the State Treasurer credits the remaining special license plate proceeds into an account specified for the sponsoring organization.
Seattle National Hockey League Team.
The Seattle National Hockey League (NHL) hockey team received approval in December 2018 from the NHL to be the thirty-second franchise team in the league. The team is based in Seattle and will begin play in the 2021-22 NHL season.
National Hockey League Seattle Foundation.
The NHL Seattle Foundation is a nonprofit public charity awaiting 501(c)3 designation whose purpose is to help marginalized youth gain increased access to sports and other opportunities.
Boundless Washington Program.
The Boundless Washington Program is a program of the Association of Washington Generals and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It is a statewide outdoor leadership program for young people with disabilities. The program provides opportunities for young people with physical and sensory disabilities to enjoy and experience the outdoors.
Summary of Bill:
The Seattle NHL hockey special license plate is created with the purpose of providing funds to the NHL Seattle Foundation and the Boundless Washington Program. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $40 is charged for the original issuance of a Seattle NHL hockey special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged for the renewal of the plate. Half the revenue from the fees collected for the special license plates will provide funds to the NHL Seattle Foundation to help marginalized youth succeed in life through increased access to sports and other opportunities. The remaining half of the revenue will provide funds to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the Boundless Washington Program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 1, 2020.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Many people in the state are excited that an NHL team is finally coming to Washington. Having an NHL team in Seattle will provide an economic benefit to the region and spark enthusiasm for the sport of hockey. The NHL Seattle Foundation will provide resources to our marginalized youth all across the state. Fees from the special license plate, along with the NHL Seattle Foundation's other fundraising efforts, will help the foundation to provide opportunities for youth to learn to skate and to learn about hockey and other ice sports. People are excited about hockey coming to Seattle, but they should also be excited about more than just hockey. The team is committed to partnering with the community and the license plate is important to provide funds to help end youth homelessness and give marginalized youth sports, leadership, and outdoor experience opportunities. The Seattle NHL team approached YouthCare to be their primary charitable partner as their values and commitment to end youth homelessness will need meaningful partnerships. The Boundless Washington Program is working with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the School for the Blind, and the School for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss for youth with physical or sensory disabilities to gain access to the outdoors.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Sullivan, prime sponsor; Ryan Jackson, Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Kyle Boyd and Brad Boswell, National Hockey League Seattle; and Holly Williams, YouthCare.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.