SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5930

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 27, 2019

Title: An act relating to creating Seattle Storm special license plates to fund youth leadership and sports programs.

Brief Description: Creating Seattle Storm special license plates to fund youth leadership and sports programs.

Sponsors: Senators Randall, Lovelett, Liias, Nguyen, Wilson, C., Palumbo, Sheldon, Mullet and Hunt.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/25/19, 2/27/19 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Creates a new Seattle Storm special license plate.
Specifies the net proceeds would go to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council and for grants to support and enhance athletic, recreational, and other opportunities for women and girls.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

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

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. The sponsoring organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate.

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. 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. Additionally, 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: A new special license plate is created that displays the Seattle Storm team logo. From the net proceeds, up to $25,000 per year, would be distributed to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council. Any remaining net proceeds would be distributed to the Association of Washington Generals for the purpose of providing grants to support and enhance athletic, recreational, and other opportunities for women and girls, and especially those with disabilities. A fee of $40 will be charged for an initial Seattle Storm special license plate and $30 for an annual renewal.

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: PRO: This new special license plate honors the valuable contribution of the Seattle Storm in the community, and it will also support youth leadership and increased athletic opportunities for women and girls. This will create a new way to allow the public to support the Seattle Storm. This also will help achieve equity goals, civic participation, and additional athletic opportunities. The team, through its support of community organizations and events, serve an important role. Many of the team members serve as role models for young women and girls, and youth more broadly. The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) serves as a valuable tool for students to get engaged in the legislative process. The funding will increase and cultivate LYAC in the years ahead.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Emily Randall, Prime Sponsor; Kristina Brown, Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Nadine Gibson, LYAC; Nate Silverman, Seattle Storm.

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