Washington House Bill 1886 establishes firefighter memorial license plate for funding support

In a recent meeting of the House Transportation Committee, lawmakers discussed House Bill 1886, which proposes the creation of a special firefighter memorial license plate. This initiative aims to honor firefighters while generating funds to support their families in need.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) currently has the authority to issue special vehicle license plates, which can replace standard plates. Organizations interested in creating a special plate can either submit an application to the DOL before pursuing legislation or seek legislative approval directly. The initial cost to implement a new special license plate is estimated at $30,000, which must be reimbursed by the sponsoring organization within two years. A startup fee of $6,300 is required at the time of application, which counts towards the total implementation cost.

Once the costs are recouped, proceeds from the sale of the firefighter memorial plates will benefit the Washington State Council of Firefighters, providing essential support to firefighters and their families. The DOL charges $40 for the initial issuance of these special plates and $30 for renewals, retaining a small portion for administrative expenses.

The fiscal note presented during the meeting indicates that the DOL anticipates issuing nearly 2,000 original plates and about 1,000 renewals by 2027. The estimated fiscal impact for the DOL includes staffing costs and production expenses, totaling approximately $47,000 for the 2025-2027 biennium, with ongoing costs of $34,000 in subsequent years.

As the committee deliberates on this bill, the potential for honoring the sacrifices of firefighters while providing financial assistance to their families remains a focal point of discussion. The initiative not only seeks to create a lasting tribute but also aims to foster community support for those who serve on the front lines.