(1) The veterans stewardship account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. Disbursements of funds must be on the authorization of the director or the director's designee, and only for the purposes stated in subsection (4) of this section. In order to maintain an effective expenditure and revenue control, funds are subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required to permit expenditure of the funds.

     (2) The department may request and accept nondedicated contributions, grants, or gifts in cash or otherwise, including funds generated by the issuance of the armed forces license plate collection under chapter 46.16 RCW.

     (3) All receipts, except as provided in RCW 46.16.313(20) (a) and (b), from the sale of armed forces license plates must be deposited into the veterans stewardship account.

     (4) All moneys deposited into the veterans stewardship account must be used by the department for activities that benefit veterans, including but not limited to, providing programs and services for homeless veterans; establishing memorials honoring veterans; and maintaining a future state veterans' cemetery. Funds from the account may not be used to supplant existing funds received by the department.

[2005 c 216 § 4.]