HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1457

BYRepresentatives Jones, Sayan, Fox, Basich, Prince, Patrick, Walker, Crane, Kremen, Day, Meyers, P. King, Silver, Wineberry, Rasmussen and Winsley

Authorizing special plates for firefighters' vehicles.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (26)

      Signed by Representatives Walk, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Cantwell, Cooper, Day, Doty, Fisher, Fox, Gallagher, Hankins, Haugen, Heavey, Jacobsen, Jones, Kremen, Meyers, Prince, Schmidt, D. Sommers, Todd, Vekich, J. Williams, K. Wilson, S. Wilson and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Terry Michalson (786-7315)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION FEBRUARY 2, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Licensing may issue special vehicle license plates only when authorized specifically by statute.  Currently, special plates are authorized for use by such groups as former Prisoners of War, Pearl Harbor survivors, amateur radio operators, and Medal-of-Honor recipients.

There are about 23,300 full-time, part-time, and volunteer members belonging to fire departments in the state.  Of this total approximately 3,300 firefighters are full-time employees, with the majority of the remaining members being unpaid volunteers.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  The Department of Licensing shall conduct a study of special license plates, defining costs and revenues attributed to special plates and establishing qualification standards for groups applying for special license plates.  A report on the study shall be provided to the Legislative Transportation Committee by December 15, 1988.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  A study is required which analyzes the fiscal impact of special license plates.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 22, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Ed McIntyre, Snohomish County Fire Commissioner; Jack Quien, Washington State Firefighters Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    It is recognized that given the number of requests for special plates that a study reviewing the costs and procedures of issuing special plates is necessary and supported.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.