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WA lawmakers weigh new license plates, rules as session wanes

Olympia, WALocal News

Washington lawmakers are considering the introduction of new specialty license plates while working to finalize a balanced state budget. Proposed designs include plates for Mount St. Helens, pickleball, and Smokey Bear, with proceeds benefiting various organizations. The legislation, discussed in the House Transportation Committee, aims to improve the process for establishing new plates by requiring groups to collect signatures and funding before production. Sen.

Bill Ramos, who unexpectedly passed away, significantly influenced the bill's development, combining various proposals into a comprehensive review of the plate process. This initiative aims to ensure that only popular designs move forward, with Sen. Adrian Cortes advocating for a more structured approach. Cortes noted that some specialty plates could generate revenue for important causes, such as driver’s education and electric vehicle charging. Despite the tight timeline, lawmakers remain optimistic about passing the bill in honor of Ramos.

The state currently offers over 60 specialty license plates, with some designs proving more popular than others.

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