SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5741
As Amended by House, March 8, 2022
Title: An act relating to creating Patches pal special license plates.
Brief Description: Creating Patches pal special license plates.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Lovick, Pedersen, Conway, Nobles, Salda?a, Wellman and Wilson, C.).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/27/22, 2/03/22 [DPS].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 2/10/22, 47-2.
Passed House: 3/8/22, 86-11.
Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill
  • Creates the Patches Pal special license plate.
  • Allows for the renaming and redesign of the plate in the future.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5741 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Liias, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Fortunato, Hawkins, Holy, Lovelett, Lovick, Nguyen, Nobles, Padden, Randall, Sheldon, Wilson, C. and Wilson, J.
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 First Substitute Bill:

The Patches Pal special license plate is created with the purpose of supporting the Seattle Children's Hospital's Strong Against Cancer Program.  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 Patches Pal special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged for the renewal of the plate.

 

By October 1, 2031, and each decade thereafter, DOL must consult with the Seattle Children's Hospital, and determine whether the Patches Pal license plate design is the best design to support the Seattle Children's Hospital Strong Against Cancer Program in the following ten year time period.  If it is determined that a different group of appropriate children's characters would better support the program due to public interest at that time, DOL must redesign the Patches Pal license plates with these new characters and a new corresponding plate name.  The costs associated with this redesign may be paid from the proceeds from the special license plate sales.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 1, 2022.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on First Substitute:

PRO:  JP Patches is one of the longest running shows.  Many of us grew up watching this show.  This special license plate recognizes the long running JP Patches children's show and at the same time supports the Strong Against Cancer program at Seattle Children's Hospital.  JP Patches and Gertrude are beloved by many and were part of the fabric of our community for over 24 years.  This will honor their longstanding relationship with Seattle Children's Hospital.  This bill is about honoring that legacy and connection.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator John Lovick, Prime Sponsor; Christopher Rimple, J.P. Patches License Plate Bill Committee.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.
EFFECT OF HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):
  • Changes the consultation process so that Seattle Children's Hospital, rather than DOL, is primarily responsible for determining whether the Patches Pal license plate should be redesigned.
  • Provides that the costs for a future plate redesign must be covered by the sponsor if funds are not available from the proceeds of special plate sales.