AN ACT Relating to creating special license plates for pollinator research and education;
Summary
HB 1911 creates a new special license plate series for Washington focused on honey bees and pollinators. The bill adds a “Washington state honey bees and pollinators” plate to the list of approved special license plates and defines the plate as displaying images of honey bees and pollinators. It also authorizes the Department of Licensing to issue the plate under the state’s special license plate program.
The bill follows the same general structure used for other Washington special plates: applicants pay the standard vehicle registration fees plus the special plate fee, and the Department of Licensing may deduct administrative and collection costs before remitting remaining proceeds to the state treasury. The bill specifies that the special plate account is to support Washington H programs, with the bill text indicating the funds are intended for honey bee and pollinator research and educational activities in Washington state.
Impact
HB 1911 would amend Washington’s special license plate statutes in chapter 46.68 RCW by adding a new pollinator-themed plate to the state’s approved plate offerings and by creating a corresponding account structure for the proceeds. It would also establish the legal definition of the plate and place it within the existing framework for issuance, fees, and distribution of special plate revenues. The practical effect is to create a new fundraising mechanism tied to vehicle registration for pollinator-related education and research efforts, while expanding the menu of specialty plates available to motorists.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally positive and noncontroversial on its face, as it promotes pollinator awareness and research through a voluntary special plate rather than a tax or mandate. The caption and structure suggest a conservation and education purpose, and the bill fits within a broader Washington practice of using specialty plates to support public-interest causes. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of opposition or debate in the available materials.
Contention
Because no committee discussion or vote history is included, there are no documented points of contention in the record provided. Potential issues that could arise with bills of this type generally involve whether the special plate program should expand further, whether the administrative costs are justified, and whether the revenue will meaningfully support the stated pollinator research and education goals. In the text itself, however, the bill is straightforward and does not show any explicit disagreement among stakeholders.