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HB 7096

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION FEES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 3 co-sponsors

Expands Disabled Veteran exemptions to include veterans 75+ with 70%+ service-connected disability, waiving annual vehicle registration and operator license fees.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 7096

Summary of HB 7096 (Rhode Island) — 2026 Session

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION FEES

Purpose and intent
- The bill broadens eligibility for the Disabled Veteran license plates and related exemptions from annual vehicle registration and operator license fees.
- It aims to recognize additional categories of veterans with service-connected disabilities for fee exemptions and to provide more flexible plate designation and transfer provisions.

Key provisions
1. Expanded eligibility for Disabled Veteran plate exemptions (Section 31-6-8)
- Existing framework already provides fee exemptions for certain disabled veterans.
- The bill adds a new eligibility criterion:
- A veteran who is 75 years of age or older with a combined service-connected disability rating of 70% (70%) shall be exempt from the annual registration fee and the license to operate fee for the motor vehicle.
- Previously, exemption criteria included:
- 100% combined service-connected disability (or loss of limbs) and other specified conditions, or
- Other permanent injuries resulting in loss of use of limbs, etc., or qualification under related federal programs.
- The bill keeps the existing exemptions but adds the 75+ age and 70% disability combination as eligible for the exemption.

  1. Disabled Veteran license plates (Section 31-6-8, subsections on plate issuance)

    • The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) shall issue to an eligible veteran plates designated "Disabled Veteran" for use on:
      • An automobile, or
      • A commercial vehicle with a gross weight of 12,000 pounds or less.
    • Upon death of the plate holder, the plates may be transferred to the veteran’s surviving spouse for the spouse’s lifetime or until remarrying.
    • Only one set of Disabled Veteran plates may be issued to an eligible veteran.
    • Eligibility requires certification from the Veterans Administration or other satisfactory documentation.

  2. Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Administrative and fiscal notes
- The bill was referred to House Finance, indicating potential fiscal impact considerations for the state’s DMV operations and revenue from registration fees.
- The specific cost impact is not provided in the text; the change could reduce revenue from exempted registrations for the newly eligible group (75+, 70% disability) but aligns with policy goals of assisting certain veterans.

Impact on stakeholders
- Eligible veterans:
- Those who are 75 years or older with a 70% or greater service-connected disability would become exempt from annual vehicle registration and operating license fees.
- Veterans meeting the criteria would receive Disabled Veteran license plates (with transferability to spouses after death).
- Surviving spouses:
- May retain the Disabled Veteran plates for the spouse’s lifetime or until remarriage.
- Department of Motor Vehicles:
- Would administer updated eligibility determinations, plate issuance, and transfers.

Procedural timeline
- Introduced January 14, 2026, by Representatives Furtado, Boylan, Dawson, and Kazarian.
- Referred to House Finance.
- As of April 29, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study (i.e., no final passage yet; further review anticipated).

Notes
- The bill explicitly states it would take effect upon passage.
- The sponsor and co-sponsors include four representatives aiming to expand veterans’ benefits related to vehicle registration fees.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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