SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2187
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 February 26, 2020
Title: An act relating to creating Washington state women veterans special license plates.
Brief Description: Creating Washington state women veterans special license plates.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Kilduff, Mosbrucker, Morgan, Leavitt, Orwall, Callan, Dufault, Graham, Kraft, Appleton, Paul, Lovick, Chapman, Ryu, Van Werven, Barkis, Slatter, Bergquist, Griffey, Sells, Doglio and Riccelli).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/19/20, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/25/20.
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.
Under the DOL application method, the application packet must include the design of the special license plate, proof of 3500 signatures in support of the special license plate, and a start-up fee of $6,300. For special license plates enacted by the Legislature, a sponsoring organization must submit prepayment of all start-up costs to DOL within 30 days of enactment.
The sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate. 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. 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.
Summary of Bill: The Women Veterans special license plate is created to recognize women veterans. 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 Women Veterans special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged for the renewal of the plate.
The Women Veterans Account (WVA) is created under the authority of the Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA). The DVA may request and accept nondedicated contributions, grants, or gifts in cash or otherwise, including funds generated by the sales of the Women Veterans special license plate. Funds from the WVA must be used for activities that benefit women service members, women veterans, or their families.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2020.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The state has thousands of women’s veterans. This special license plate will pay respect to their service and honor their valor. This is about recognizing and making the contribution of women veterans visible. It should not be necessary to provide recognition of women veterans, but it is. Women veterans are not recognized as much as their male counterparts, and this bill is part of the effort to provide equal footing in recognizing women veterans. The personal sacrifice of our women veterans needs to be appreciated more by the public and this is one part of the process. Something as simple as a special license plate can add to the self-esteem of the state’s women veterans.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Christine Kilduff, Prime Sponsor; Elis(e) Salamone, Lt Colonel (retired), USAF; Tanja Struyck-Fogleman, citizen; John Nell, citizen.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.