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HB 8614

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 4 co-sponsors

The bill would exempt eligible disabled veterans from annual vehicle registration fees and allow transferring Disabled Veteran plates to spouses under defined conditions.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8614

Overview

HB 8614 (Rhode Island, 2026) proposes changes to the regulations governing registration fees for vehicles in relation to disabled veterans. The measure adds provisions to exempt certain disabled veterans from annual vehicle registration fees and permits the transfer of Disabled Veteran license plates to spouses under specific conditions.

Main purpose and intent

  • Provide ongoing exemption from annual vehicle registration fees for certain disabled veterans.
  • Allow the transfer of Disabled Veteran license plates to a veteran’s spouse under specified circumstances.
  • Ensure that eligibility and plate issuance are contingent on documentation from the Veterans Administration or equivalent evidence.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 31-6-8 (amended):
    • (a) Eligibility for exemption:
    • Applies to veterans honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces or Merchant Marine who, due to war/campaign service or related permanent disability, have:
      • One or both limbs amputated, or
      • Other permanent injury resulting in loss of use of an arm, hand, foot, or leg, or
      • Granted a motor vehicle under Public Law 870-2D (1946, 79th Congress), or
      • Has suitable documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs establishing:
      • A combined service-connected disability rating of 100%, or
      • Individual unemployability due to service-connected disability
      • These individuals shall be exempt from any fee for the annual registration of and a license to operate that motor vehicle.
    • (b) Disabled Veteran plates:
    • The DMV administrator shall issue “Disabled Veteran” registration plates for use on an automobile or a commercial vehicle with a gross weight of 12,000 pounds or less, to eligible veterans.
    • Transferability conditions:
      • If the veteran is no longer able to operate a vehicle, the plates may be transferred, during the veteran’s lifetime, to the veteran’s spouse.
      • Upon the death of the initial registrant, the plates may be transferred to the surviving spouse for the spouse’s lifetime or until the spouse remarries.
      • Only one set of plates may be issued to an eligible veteran and/or their spouse as described in (b)(1) and (2), contingent on certification of eligibility from the VA or other satisfactory documentation.

Who would be affected

  • Disabled veterans who meet criteria (absolute 100% service-connected disability or individual unemployability, or certain permanent injuries or amputations) and their eligibility for exemption from annual registration fees.
  • Eligible veterans who are no longer able to operate a vehicle, and their spouses, who may receive transferability of the “Disabled Veteran” plates.
  • DMV applicants seeking “Disabled Veteran” plates, who must provide VA documentation or equivalent certification.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Administration and verification:
    • Eligibility determinations depend on certification by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or satisfactory alternative documentation.
    • Transfers of plates between spouses are permitted under defined life-event conditions (loss of vehicle operation by the veteran, death of the veteran, and spouse’s remarriage status).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Financial: Broadens exemption from annual vehicle registration fees for qualifying disabled veterans, reducing ongoing costs.
  • Administrative: Requires the DMV to manage eligibility verification and process transfers of Disabled Veteran plates to spouses, including life-event-based transfers.
  • Family implications: Enables continuation of plate benefits for surviving spouses, potentially simplifying recognition of service-connected disabilities within families.
  • Equity and access: Provides clearer pathways for plate ownership/transfer, aligning with veteran-support objectives.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing Rhode Island statutes on disabled veteran plates or provide a concise one-page briefing for stakeholders.

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

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