HB 1886
In CommitteeHouse
Firefighter memorial plate
Creating a firefighter memorial 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 creates a new special license plate to honor firefighters, especially those who died in the line of duty. It establishes fees for the plate and directs the revenue—after administrative costs—to support firefighter memorials and charitable aid for firefighters and their families in need.
- Creates a new 'Firefighter memorial' special license plate featuring a Maltese cross and the words 'never forget'.
- Sets the initial fee at $40.00 and renewal fee at $30.00 for the firefighter memorial plate.
- Requires the Department of Licensing to collect fees and, after administrative deductions, deposit remaining funds into a dedicated 'Firefighter memorial' account in the state treasury.
- Directs funds from the plate to the Washington State Council of Firefighters for firefighter memorials and charitable assistance for firefighters and their families in need.
- Adds a new definition of 'Firefighter memorial' in state law to formally recognize the plate.
Who is affected
- Firefighters and their families — Firefighters and their families benefit from funds raised through the plate fees, which support firefighter memorials and charitable assistance for firefighters and families in need.
- General public (residents seeking to show support) — Residents who wish to honor firefighters—especially those who died in the line of duty—can purchase this special plate to show support and contribute to related causes.
- Washington State Council of Firefighters — The Washington State Council of Firefighters receives and administers funds from the plate fees for memorial and charitable purposes.
- Washington State Department of Licensing — The Department of Licensing administers the plate program, including collecting fees, issuing plates, and distributing funds per legal requirements.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
The bill creates a dedicated, self-sustaining funding source for firefighter memorials and emergency financial assistance—directly supporting first responders and their families, especially those affected by line-of-duty deaths or disabilities. This fills a gap in state recognition and aid, and aligns with existing public support for firefighter welfare (e.g., existing volunteer firefighter plate, law enforcement memorial plate).
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 3(2) (Funds from Firefighter memorial plate go to Washington State Council of Firefighters for memorials and charitable assistance to firefighters and families in need); Sec. 4 (Definition of 'Firefighter memorial')The plate generates revenue without requiring general fund support, and the dedicated account ensures proceeds are used for firefighter memorials and aid—not diverted to other purposes. This is fiscally responsible and aligns with Washington’s practice of user-fee funded special plates (e.g., breast cancer awareness, law enforcement memorial).
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 1 (Firefighter memorial plate fee: $40 initial, $30 renewal); Sec. 3 (DOL administers plate, deducts up to $12/$2 for costs, remits remainder to state treasury); Sec. 3(2) (Funds go to Firefighter Memorial Account, not general fund)The plate provides a low-cost, voluntary way for residents to publicly honor fallen or active firefighters—enhancing civic recognition and solidarity with first responders. It does not impose mandates or restrictions on individuals, and participation is entirely optional, respecting personal expression and choice.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 1 (Firefighter memorial plate added to list in RCW 46.17.220); Sec. 2 (Firefighter memorial plate approved under RCW 46.18.200); Sec. 4 (Definition of 'Firefighter memorial' plate)The bill explicitly authorizes charitable assistance to firefighters and families 'in need', which—depending on implementation—could support access to mental health counseling, substance use treatment, or disability support services. Given high rates of occupational illness and suicide among firefighters, this provision has meaningful potential to improve health equity among a high-risk workforce.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 3(2) (Funds from Firefighter memorial plate go to Washington State Council of Firefighters for memorials and charitable assistance to firefighters and families in need); Sec. 2(3) (Proof of eligibility required for professional firefighter plate: current membership in WSCF); Sec. 2(4) (Volunteer firefighter eligibility: 10+ years or documentation of service)The bill enables local communities to show support through plate purchases, fostering community engagement with fire services—especially valuable in rural areas where volunteer fire departments rely on public goodwill and limited funding. While not a direct funding mechanism, the symbolic recognition may improve recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: Sec. 3(2) (Firefighter memorial account funds are for memorials and charitable assistance); Sec. 3(5) (Only director or designee may authorize expenditures); Sec. 3(4) (Disbursement under contract with qualified nonprofits)
Potential Concerns (5)
The $40/$30 fee structure for the firefighter memorial plate is consistent with other special plates (e.g., 4-H, Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Memorial), but the $12/$2 administrative deduction reduces net proceeds—potentially limiting the amount available for firefighter memorials and aid. While the bill ensures DOL is reimbursed first, this creates a lag in funding availability and may reduce total proceeds if plate uptake is low. No evidence suggests this will significantly impact state or local budgets, but it does reduce the net revenue available for firefighter support.
FinancialRef: Sec. 1 (Firefighter memorial plate fee: $40 initial, $30 renewal); Sec. 3 (Deduction of up to $12 initial / $2 renewal for DOL administration); Sec. 3(2) (Funds credited to Motor Vehicle Fund until DOL is reimbursed, then to Firefighter Memorial Account)The bill creates a dedicated funding stream for firefighter memorials and charitable aid, but does not establish oversight, accountability, or reporting requirements for how the Washington State Council of Firefighters uses the funds. Without transparency or performance metrics, there is risk of misallocation or underutilization of resources—particularly for families in need who may not know how to access the aid.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 3(2) (Funds from Firefighter Memorial plate go to Washington State Council of Firefighters for memorials and charitable assistance); Sec. 4 (Definition of 'Firefighter memorial' plate)The bill does not require local fire districts or municipal governments to administer or support the plate program, placing all administrative burden on the Department of Licensing. While this avoids new local costs, it also means local fire departments and volunteer units have no formal role in outreach, eligibility verification, or fund distribution—potentially limiting program visibility and effectiveness at the community level.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 3(2) (Firefighter memorial account funds are disbursed 'under contract between the department and qualified nonprofit organizations'); Sec. 3(5) (Only director or designee may authorize expenditures)The Washington State Council of Firefighters (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) becomes a state-contracted administrator of charitable funds. While this may create modest administrative or grant-management capacity for the Council, it does not create new jobs or contracts for for-profit businesses, and the scale of funding is likely too small to meaningfully impact local economies. The bill does not require competitive bidding or local procurement, limiting broader economic ripple effects.
Business & EmploymentRef: Sec. 3(2) (Funds from Firefighter Memorial plate go to Washington State Council of Firefighters for memorials and charitable assistance); Sec. 3(2) (No appropriation required, but allotment procedures apply); Sec. 3(4) (Disbursement 'subject to conditions... and under contract')The bill allows for charitable assistance to firefighters and families 'in need', but does not define 'in need' or specify whether funds can be used for mental health, substance use, or long-term care services—critical needs for firefighters facing high rates of PTSD and occupational illness. Without explicit authorization, the program may focus only on one-time hardship grants, missing opportunities to support long-term health outcomes.
HealthcareRef: Sec. 3(2) (Firefighter memorial account funds are for 'memorial and charitable contribution to firefighters and their families in need'); Sec. 3(5) (Only director or designee may authorize expenditures); Sec. 3(4) (Disbursement under contract with qualified nonprofits)
Who Is Most Affected
Firefighters and their families—especially survivors of line-of-duty deaths or those facing disability—may benefit from memorial recognition and emergency financial aid. However, the lack of eligibility criteria for 'in need' and no requirement for transparent fund distribution means benefits may be unevenly delivered or underutilized.
General residents who purchase the plate gain a low-cost way to show support for firefighters, but the $40/$30 fee may deter participation among low- and middle-income households. The plate does not provide direct benefits beyond symbolic recognition and indirect support to firefighter causes.
The Washington State Council of Firefighters (WSCF) becomes the designated administrator of funds, potentially increasing its capacity and influence. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WSCF is not a 'corporation' in the profit sense, but it is a centralized, state-contracted entity that may benefit disproportionately from the program’s design.
The Department of Licensing gains no new authority or funding, but must administer the plate like other special plates. This adds minimal administrative burden and no new costs to DOL, as the $12/$2 deduction covers administrative expenses.