SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5333
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Transportation, March 9, 2023
Title: An act relating to creating the state sport special license plate.
Brief Description: Creating the state sport special license plate.
Sponsors: Senators Lovick, Liias and Torres.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/06/23, 3/09/23 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates a special license plate to recognize the state sport of pickleball.
  • Directs proceeds from the special license plate for the construction and maintenance of dedicated pickleball courts.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Liias, Chair; Lovick, Vice Chair; Shewmake, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Cleveland, Fortunato, Kauffman, Lovelett, Nobles, Padden, Randall, Valdez, 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 Bill:

A new special license plate is created to recognize the state sport of pickleball.  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 state sport special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged for the renewal of the plate.

 

The net proceeds from the state sport special license plate sales will be placed in a trust account managed by the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association to be used exclusively for the construction and maintenance of dedicated pickleball courts.

Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 1, 2023.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO:  This bill recognizes the recently designated state sport of pickleball.  We have submitted over 3900 signatures as part of the application so there is statewide support. This will provide resources for the construction and support of pickleball courts throughout the state.  Pickleball is a low-cost sport, and the interest is spreading.  In part, this will allow the benefits of pickleball to be experienced in diverse places throughout the state.  This has energized pickleball players throughout the state.  There has been tremendous growth in the sport.  Pickleball has improved many people's lives by providing opportunities for physical activity, weight loss, and social interactions. 

 

OTHER: Because this sport is available to anyone, it can help deal with loneliness and other issues.  Pickleball is a sport that is accessible to anyone, including young and old.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator John Lovick, Prime Sponsor; Kate Van Gent, Seattle Metro Pickleball Association; Amy Greger, Seattle Metro Pickleball Association; John Rankin, Seattle Metro Pickleball Assocition; Nancy Purcell, President of Mukilteo Everett PB Club; Rose Jones, Pickleball Playground Spokane.
OTHER: Pablo Granados, Snoco County Pb association, Marysville Pb association, Lake Stevens Pb association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.