SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2058

As of March 27, 2019

Title: An act relating to Purple Heart license plates.

Brief Description: Concerning Purple Heart license plates.

Sponsors: Representatives Callan, Dufault, Kilduff, Leavitt, Ramos, Goehner, Reeves, Rude, Boehnke, Entenman, Klippert, Corry, Mosbrucker and Davis.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/13/19, 95-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/26/19.

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard license plates. Generally, special license plates are sponsored by a governmental or nonprofit organization and are available to all Washington residents for an additional fee that is due annually upon vehicle registration renewal. Other special license plates are available to individuals who meet certain requirements. One such special license plate is the Purple Heart license plate, which may be issued to a registered owner of a vehicle who has been awarded a Purple Heart medal by any branch of the United States Armed Forces, including the Merchant Marines and the Women Air Force Service Pilots.

To qualify for a Purple Heart license plate, a registered vehicle owner must:

• be a resident of Washington;

• have been wounded during one of the United States' wars or conflicts;

• have received an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces;

• provide a copy of the Armed Forces document showing the recipient was awarded the Purple Heart medal;

• be recorded as the registered owner of the motor vehicle on which the Purple Heart license plate or plates will be displayed; and

• pay all fees and taxes required by law for registering the motor vehicle.

Purple Heart license plates are issued without payment of any special license plate fees for one motor vehicle. For other motor vehicles, qualified applicants may purchase Purple Heart license plates for the special license plate fee of $40 for original issuance and $30 for renewal.

Purple Heart license plates may be issued to the surviving spouse or domestic partner of a Purple Heart recipient who met the qualifications to receive the Purple Heart license plate. The surviving spouse or domestic partner must be a resident of Washington to receive the Purple Heart license plates. If the surviving spouse or the surviving domestic partner marries or enters into a new domestic partnership, they must return the special license plates to DOL within 15 days and apply for regular license plates or another type of special license plate.

Purple Heart license plates may be transferred from one motor vehicle to another motor vehicle owned by the Purple Heart recipient or the surviving spouse or domestic partner upon application to DOL, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director of DOL.

Summary of Bill: All qualifying applicants of the Purple Heart license plate must be issued the plates without payment of any vehicle license fees, license plate fees, and motor vehicle excise taxes, in addition to the current exemption from payment of special license plate fees, for one motor vehicle. For other motor vehicles, qualified applicants may purchase Purple Heart license plates and pay all fees and taxes required by law for registering a motor vehicle.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This recognizes the contribution of our military veterans in serving our country.  These individuals deserve more than just a thank you. The change in the Purple Heart license is one way in which we can do that.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Lisa Callan, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.