HB 1846
In CommitteeHouse
Sounders FC license plate
Modifying the fee disposition for the Seattle Sounders FC special license plate.
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 updates how fees from the Seattle Sounders FC special license plate are collected and distributed. It specifies that after covering minimal administrative costs, most of the money goes to youth mentoring and leadership programs, with strict rules about how the funds can be used.
- Reenacts and amends the law governing the Seattle Sounders FC special license plate, specifying how fees collected from the plate are distributed.
- Allows the Department of Licensing to deduct up to $12 for initial issuance and $2 for renewal to cover administrative costs before sending the rest to the state treasurer.
- Directs remaining funds to the Seattle Sounders FC account, which supports Washington State Mentors (70%) and the Washington State Leadership Board (up to 30%, capped at $40,000/year, adjusted for inflation).
- Requires that at least 90% of funds received by the Washington State Leadership Board be used directly for program services (e.g., mentoring, leadership projects), not overhead.
- Defines 'qualified nonprofit organization' to include 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Washington and meeting licensing requirements.
Who is affected
- License plate purchasers — People who purchase the special Seattle Sounders FC license plate; they pay an extra fee that funds youth mentoring and leadership programs.
- Qualified nonprofit organizations — Nonprofit organizations that receive funding from the license plate fees to run youth mentoring, education, health, and recreation programs across Washington.
- Youth and young people — Youth in underserved communities who benefit from mentoring, sports, and leadership opportunities funded by the license plate program.
- State government agencies — State agencies like the Department of Licensing and State Treasurer, which manage collection, administration, and disbursement of fees.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
The bill mandates that at least 70% of Sounders plate funds go to Washington State Mentors to increase mentorship access statewide — a direct investment in youth development that can improve academic outcomes and reduce risk behaviors in underserved communities.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(2), Seattle Sounders FC accountThe bill caps administrative costs at 20% for Washington State Mentors and requires at least 90% of Leadership Board funds to go to direct program services — strong accountability provisions that maximize service delivery per dollar collected.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(2), Seattle Sounders FC accountBy funding youth mentoring and leadership programs, the bill supports upstream mental and behavioral health interventions — research shows strong mentoring relationships reduce depression, substance use, and suicide risk among adolescents.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1(2), Seattle Sounders FC accountThe bill ensures that all net proceeds from the Sounders plate flow to state-authorized nonprofits without requiring general fund appropriation — providing stable, dedicated funding for youth programs independent of annual budget cycles.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(c), Sec. 1(2)The bill builds on existing accountability frameworks from other special license plates (e.g., Mariners, Seahawks) that require ≥90% of Leadership Board funds to go to direct services — this consistency improves transparency and reduces misuse risk.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5), Sec. 1(6)
Potential Concerns (5)
The bill authorizes the Department of Licensing to deduct up to $12 for initial issuance and $2 for renewal to cover administrative costs, but does not cap or standardize these fees across all special license plates — this creates inconsistency in administrative overhead across programs and may reduce net funds available to nonprofits if volume is low.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 1(1)(b)The bill specifies that up to 20% of funds received by Washington State Mentors may be used for program administration — while reasonable, this administrative carve-out could dilute direct service delivery if not carefully monitored, especially if oversight is weak.
Business & EmploymentRef: Sec. 1(2), Seattle Sounders FC accountThe bill does not require geographic or demographic targeting of mentoring grants, so funds may not reach the most underserved communities without additional policy guardrails — reducing equity impact despite good intent.
EducationLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(2), Seattle Sounders FC accountThe bill lacks performance metrics or accountability requirements for Washington State Mentors or the Leadership Board, making it difficult to assess program effectiveness or ensure funds are used as intended.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(2), Seattle Sounders FC accountThe bill does not require grantees to coordinate with housing or social services agencies, limiting potential synergies between mentoring and stable housing or economic mobility — a missed opportunity for holistic youth support.
HousingLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(2), Seattle Sounders FC account
Who Is Most Affected
Purchasers pay $30+ extra for the plate; they gain symbolic pride and satisfaction from supporting youth programs, but receive no direct financial return. Low-to-moderate-income fans may feel the fee is a meaningful trade-off for community impact.
Washington State Mentors receives the majority of funds and can expand outreach, but must comply with strict service-delivery rules (≥90% direct services, ≤20% admin). Small rural nonprofits may benefit if they win mentoring grants, but larger urban orgs may dominate due to capacity.
Youth in underserved communities are the intended beneficiaries — mentoring can improve school engagement, reduce risk behaviors, and build social capital. However, impact depends on equitable grant distribution and program quality.
The Department of Licensing gains minimal administrative burden (deducting fees), and the State Treasurer gains no new liability. No new appropriation is needed, so state agencies benefit from streamlined funding without added cost.
The Seattle Sounders FC organization benefits from brand alignment and community goodwill, but receives no direct funding. The club’s role is largely symbolic — the bill does not require team involvement beyond licensing the name.