This bill amends Washington state law concerning special and personalized license plates, instituting a moratorium on the issuance of new special license plates until January 1, 2029, with exceptions for those created under this act. The Department of Licensing is responsible for reviewing applications and must prominently display the moratorium on its website. Additionally, a special license work group will be established to evaluate the current process and provide annual updates and a final report with recommendations to the joint transportation committee by January 1, 2028. The bill also introduces several new special license plate designs, including "Donate Life," "Firefighter Memorial," and "Keep Washington Evergreen," which will feature specific symbols or artwork approved by the Department of Licensing.

Moreover, the bill outlines the allocation of funds generated from special license plate fees to support various causes, such as 4-H programs, organ donation awareness, and educational initiatives. It establishes new accounts, including "Donate Life" and "Working Forests," ensuring that funds are disbursed under contract with qualified nonprofit organizations. The legislation also creates a veterans stewardship account funded by the sale of specific license plates and introduces new themes for license plates, such as historical designs and environmental awareness. The bill aims to enhance funding for various causes through specialized license plates while updating fee structures and definitions within the law.

Statutes affected:
Substitute Bill: 46.18.060, 44.04.300, 77.32.560, 46.17.210
Bill as Passed Legislature: 46.18.060, 44.04.300, 77.32.560, 46.17.210, 43.388.040
Session Law: 46.18.060, 44.04.300, 77.32.560, 46.17.210, 43.388.040