SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5738
As of February 19, 2023
Title: An act relating to creating the LeMay-America's Car Museum special license plate.
Brief Description: Creating the LeMay-America's Car Museum special license plate.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Gildon, Trudeau, Nobles, King, Wilson, C., Liias and Boehnke.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates a LeMay-America's Car Museum special license plate.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
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 $6,300 start-up fee.  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 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 LeMay-America's Car Museum special license plate is created.  In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a $40 fee is charged for the original issuance of a LeMay-America's Car Museum special license plate, and a $30 fee is charged for the renewal of the plate.

 

The net proceeds from the LeMay-America's Car Museum special license plate will provide funds to:

  • promote, encourage, and inspire students and the community to understand the role of automobiles in our culture and economy through education, interpretive programs, and job training;
  • open doors to learning through science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM); and
  • to inspire a new generation of skilled trade workers, engineers, designers, artists, and enthusiasts. 
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.