HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2490
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to the fee disposition for the Seattle Sounders FC special license plate.
Brief Description: Changing the fee disposition for the Seattle Sounders FC special license plate.
Sponsors: Representative Hackney.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/1/24, 2/5/24 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Directs proceeds from the sale of the Seattle Sounders FC special license plate to the RAVE Foundation.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 29 members:Representatives Fey, Chair; Donaghy, Vice Chair; Paul, Vice Chair; Timmons, Vice Chair; Barkis, Ranking Minority Member; Hutchins, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Low, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Robertson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Berry, Bronoske, Chapman, Cortes, Dent, Doglio, Duerr, Entenman, Goehner, Griffey, Hackney, Klicker, Mena, Nance, Orcutt, Ramel, Ramos, Schmidt, Volz, Walsh and Wylie.
Staff: Michael Hirsch (786-7195).
Background:

The Department of Licensing (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 (Treasurer) deposits the proceeds into the Motor Vehicle Account until the DOL determines that the start-up fee for a special license plate is paid.  Once the start-up fee is paid, the Treasurer credits the remaining special license plate fee amounts into an account specified for the sponsoring organization.

 

The Seattle Sounders FC special license plate is an existing special license plate with a paid start-up fee.  Proceeds from the sale of the plate after accounting for administrative expenses go to support the Washington State Mentors to increase the number of mentors within the state and to the Washington State Leadership Board to develop educational, veterans, international relations, and civics projects, and to recognize the outstanding public service of individuals or groups in the State of Washington.

Summary of Bill:

Proceeds from the sale of the Seattle Sounders FC special license plate after accounting for administrative expenses, are directed to the RAVE Foundation, the official charitable arm of the Seattle Sounders FC.

Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on November 1, 2024.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill does not create a special license plate, but changes the beneficiary to the RAVE Foundation.  The RAVE Foundation is the charitable foundation of the Seattle Sounders FC.  Proceeds from the sale of the Seattle Sounders FC special license plate ought to go to the efforts of the associated 501(c)(3) foundation.  Receipt of funding outside of fundraising shows state support for the foundation's goal of 26 free play fields prior to the FIFA World Cup in 2026.  Fields are built in consultation with local communities, with a focus on underserved communities.

 

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying:

Representative David Hackney, prime sponsor; and Fred Mendoza, RAVE Foundation.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.