The Washington state legislature has approved a bill that would create an apple-themed specialty license plate.

The bill, which passed 92–5 on March 6, now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee for signing.

The measure, proposed by 12th District Sen. Brad Hawkins, would charge a $40 fee to purchase a Washington apple license plate and $30 for an annual renewal. Proceeds of the sales would benefit the Washington Apple Education Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th year of giving scholarships to students who have at least one parent working in the tree fruit industry. 

As part of the process for creating a specialty license plate, the Washington Apple Commission will contribute $6,300 in start-up costs.

—by Ross Courtney