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.

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. 

• Changes the display of the plate design from the LeMay America’s Car Museum logo, to one being based on a style homage to classic Washington automobile plates.

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard.  PRO:  This honors the significance of the largest car museum west of the Mississippi.  The automobile is part of American culture.  The funding provided by this new special license plate will help us improve and expand the museum programs designed for students to understand the importance of the automobiles in our culture and economy.  These programs include education, interpretive programs, and job training that will open doors to learning through science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) and inspire future entrepreneurs. There is a great deal of public interest in this special license plate evidenced by the number of people that signed up in support for today's hearing and those that have signed up saying that they are willing to buy the plate.  We request a change to the plate design referenced in the bill.