SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5005

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 5, 2019

Title: An act relating to personalized collector vehicle license plates.

Brief Description: Authorizing the issuance of personalized collector vehicle license plates.

Sponsors: Senators Takko, Sheldon, Carlyle, Conway, Fortunato and Wagoner.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/19, 2/05/19 [DPS].

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Creates the ability to personalize a collector license plate.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5005 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Sheldon, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Dhingra, Fortunato, Nguyen, O'Ban, Padden, Randall, Takko, Wilson, C. and Zeiger.

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background: A registered owner may apply for a collector vehicle plate for a motor vehicle that is at least 30 years old. The owner may receive a collector plate that is assigned by the Department of Licensing or the owner can provide an actual Washington state-issued license plate designated for general use in the year the vehicle was manufactured. The original registration is $35, and the plates:

are valid for the life of the vehicle;
are not required to be renewed;
may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle if the plate was provided by the owner; and
must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle.

These vehicles may only be used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and occasional driving.

Under current law, for an additional fee, license plates displaying the standard background may be personalized using numbers or letters or both. The original registration is $52 for a personalized license plate, and the annual renewal is $42 for the plate.

Provisions do not exist allowing a registered owner to personalize a collector license plate.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): A registered owner with a collector vehicle license plate may personalize their plate for a one-time fee of $52 in addition to the collector license plate fee.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute): The effective date is changed to October 1, 2019.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 1, 2019.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This will allow owners of collector vehicles the ability personalized plates without having to renew every year since they only use their vehicles for occasional use.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Takko, Prime Sponsor

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