SENATE 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.

Brief Summary of Amended Bill

Creates the Seattle National Hockey League (NHL) special license plate.
Requires the submission of 3500 signatures of people indicating a willingness to purchase the Seattle National Hockey League special license plate before it can be issued.
Expands the allowable uses of the current 75 percent distribution of the Seattle Mariners special license plate revenue to the Office of Lieutenant Governor sports mentoring programs to also include the Boundless Washington program.

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 Amended Bill: The Seattle NHL hockey special license plate is created with the purpose of providing funds to the NHL Seattle Foundation, the Boundless Washington Program, and providing support for youth hockey. 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.

The revenues the fees collected for the special license plates will be distributed as follows:

50 percent to the NHL Seattle Foundation to help marginalized youth succeed in life through increased access to sports and other opportunities;
25 percent to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the Boundless Washington Program; and
25 percent to the NHL Seattle foundation to provide financial support to allow youth to participate in hockey.

Before DOL can issue the Seattle NHL hockey special license plate, the sponsoring organization must submit the signatures of 3500 people indicating a willingness to purchase the plate.

The existing 75 percent distribution of the Seattle Mariners special license plate revenue to the Office of Lieutenant Governor for sports mentoring programs is expanded to also include the Boundless Washington program to facilitate opportunities for young people with physical and sensory disabilities to enjoy and experience the outdoors. The remaining distribution of 25 percent of the Seattle Mariners special license plate revenue remains unchanged.

EFFECT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE AMENDMENT(S):

Increases the NHL Seattle Foundation portion for marginalized youth sports and other opportunities of the NHL special license plate revenue from 25 percent to 50 percent.

Lowers the portion of NHL special license plate revenue directed towards youth hockey financial support from 50 percent to 25 percent and adds the NHL Seattle Foundation as the coordinating entity for this activity.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Striking Amendment: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: The Seattle NHL plate in part will provide additional services for the marginalized youth through the NHL foundation and it will also help address youth homelessness. This will allow greater participation in valuable team sport by youth regardless of zip code. The efforts at promoting additional access for hockey will be particularly valuable to youth from lower incomes.