HB 1050
In CommitteeHouse
Naval Academy license plates
Creating United States Naval Academy special license plates.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill creates a new United States Naval Academy special license plate for Washington residents, with a $40 initial fee and $30 renewal fee. Revenue from the plate—after administrative costs—goes to the Veterans Stewardship Account to support veteran programs. The bill also updates rules for other special plates to ensure consistent fund handling.
- Creates a new United States Naval Academy special license plate with a $40 initial fee and $30 renewal fee.
- Adds the new plate to the list of approved special plates under state law and specifies its design must relate to the U.S. Naval Academy.
- Directs net proceeds from the plate to the Veterans Stewardship Account, which funds programs for veterans—including housing, memorials, and cemeteries.
- Amends existing laws to clarify fund distribution for other special plates (e.g., Armed Forces, Purple Heart, Breast Cancer Awareness), ensuring consistent handling of fees and account allocations.
- Requires the Department of Licensing to collect fees and remit net proceeds to the state treasurer, who credits them to the appropriate accounts after reimbursement of administrative costs.
Who is affected
- U.S. Naval Academy graduates and supporters — Residents who are graduates or supporters of the U.S. Naval Academy can purchase this special plate to show affiliation or pride; proceeds support veteran programs.
- Veterans and their families — Veterans and their families benefit from increased funding for services like housing, memorials, and cemeteries through the new Veterans Stewardship Account.
- State agencies involved in license plate issuance and fund management — State agencies (Department of Licensing, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Health, etc.) will manage issuance, collection, and allocation of funds from the new plate.
- Current holders of other special license plates — Other special license plate holders (e.g., military, breast cancer awareness, parks) see no change in their current fees or processes, but the Naval Academy plate is added to the same system.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (3)
Net proceeds from the new plate flow into the Veterans Stewardship Account, which funds programs for homeless veterans—including housing, mental health services, and support for cemeteries—directly benefiting a vulnerable population that often lacks access to stable housing and care.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 4 (Veterans Stewardship Account usage: housing, memorials, cemeteries for veterans)The bill ensures dedicated, ongoing funding for state veterans’ cemeteries and memorials, improving dignity and access to burial services for veterans and their families—a public good that supports community respect and recognition of service.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 4 (Veterans Stewardship Account usage: memorials and cemeteries)The bill creates a new, predictable revenue stream for veteran services without raising general taxes—funding is tied to voluntary participation, meaning only those who wish to express affiliation pay extra, and the burden is not spread across all taxpayers.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 3 & Sec. 4 (Net proceeds to Veterans Stewardship Account after admin costs)
Potential Concerns (2)
The $40 initial and $30 renewal fee for the new Naval Academy plate adds a voluntary cost to vehicle registration for those who choose to purchase it; while modest, this is a new out-of-pocket expense for individuals who may not otherwise spend money on a special plate—effectively a user fee that some low- and middle-income residents may find burdensome.
FinancialRef: Sec. 1 (United States Naval Academy plate fee: $40 initial / $30 renewal)The Department of Licensing will deduct administrative costs before remitting funds, reducing the net proceeds available to the Veterans Stewardship Account; while the bill caps administrative costs at reasonable levels, this still means a portion of fees collected does not go directly to veteran services, diluting the intended benefit.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 3 (Deduction of up to $12 initial / $2 renewal administrative costs)
Who Is Most Affected
Veterans—especially those who are low-income, homeless, or disabled—benefit from increased funding for housing, health services, and burial benefits. While not all veterans will buy the plate, the program expands the funding base for programs that serve them.
Naval Academy graduates and supporters in Washington who wish to display affiliation may purchase the plate; while this is a voluntary, symbolic gesture, the fee is modest and the benefit is primarily personal/identity-based rather than economic.
State agencies (DOL, DVAs, State Treasurer) gain administrative responsibilities but no new funding—implementation costs are covered by the fee deductions, so no net budgetary impact on state operations.
Families of deceased veterans may benefit indirectly through improved memorial and cemetery services, but the direct financial benefit is minimal—this is a public good, not a direct transfer.