The House of Representatives voted today to unanimously approve legislation that would allow the creation of specialized license plates for volunteer firefighters.

Rep. Mike Armstrong, co-sponsor of House Bill 1136, said the plates would help to identify volunteer firefighters when they are responding to an emergency.

“I think it’s important when they go out on a call to a fire to be identified as volunteer firefighters as they pull up in their vehicles. They would be the only ones allowed to purchase these plates. They could have two sets of plates for two different vehicles,” said Armstrong, R-Wenatchee.

Under the bill, the specialized license plate would depict a symbol, description, or artwork that recognizes volunteer firefighters. In addition to all fees and taxes required to be paid upon application for a vehicle registration, a fee of $28 would be charged for the license plate and a $2 fee would be charged for renewal. The fees collected would be used for expenses and administration incurred for the new plates.

Armstrong noted a majority of firefighters in Washington are volunteer, helping their local communities in the prevention of fires, as well as responding to other emergency situations.

“Volunteer firefighters come to the aid of people in times of greatest need. Life and death is often in the balance. We want to make sure when they are responding, their vehicles are appropriately identified. These new license plates would help to provide that identification,” added Armstrong. “This is a great way to honor these folks who spend a lot of their time volunteering to keep us safe.”

The measure passed 94-0. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

You can also view the progress of the bill by monitoring it directly here. 

 

If you would like a summary of the last 5 year's efforts in .pdf format please click here.