WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 6124

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Baginski and 8 co-sponsors

Creates Cranston Cares special plate; $40 issuance surcharge ($20 general fund, $20 to Cranston Cares), $10 renewal; funds go to RI charities and require annual accounting.

04/09/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6124

Summary — HB 6124 / LC002473: Special Motor Vehicle Plate for "Cranston Cares"

Note: The materials provided include an unrelated Michigan draft amending a recreational authorities statute. This summary focuses on the motor-vehicle registration bill text (LC002473) titled “AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES — REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES,” which creates a special registration plate for the nonprofit Cranston Cares.

Main purpose

Authorize the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a special motor vehicle registration plate designed for the nonprofit Cranston Cares, and establish fees, revenue allocation, design and operational requirements tied to that plate.

Key provisions

  • Authorization: DMV administrator may make available Cranston Cares specialty plates; plate design to be produced by Cranston Cares in coordination with DMV and approved by the Rhode Island State Police.
  • Use and registration: Special plate uses the same registration number as the vehicle; original plates removed and returned to DMV; registration certificate remains valid and must be carried in the vehicle.
  • Minimum order requirement: Plates are subject to §31-3-117 minimum prepaid order requirements per plate type; plates will not be produced until minimums are met. Initial order is handled by Cranston Cares and submitted to DMV only when requirements are satisfied.
  • Procedures: DMV must develop prepayment and other necessary administrative procedures.
  • Fees and allocation:
    • One-time issuance surcharge: $40 in addition to regular registration fees.
    • $20 to the state general fund.
    • $20 distributed annually to Cranston Cares for community initiatives.
    • Renewal surcharge: $10 for subsequent registration renewals, allocated to Cranston Cares.
  • Use of funds and oversight:
    • Cranston Cares must use Rhode Island–sourced funds for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
    • Cranston Cares required to submit an annual accounting report prior to distribution of funds.
  • Refunds: No refunds for early cancellation of Cranston Cares plates.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Rhode Island vehicle owners who may purchase Cranston Cares plates (subject to minimum order thresholds).
  • Cranston Cares (receives net surcharge revenue and must comply with reporting and use restrictions).
  • Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles and State Police (design approval, administration, and implementation).
  • State general fund (receives $20 per issuance).

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: March 21, 2025 (referred to House Special Legislation).
  • Committee action: As provided, a committee recommendation on 04/09/2025 was to hold the measure for further study.
  • If enacted, takes effect upon passage.

Potential impacts

  • Generates a small revenue stream for Cranston Cares and the state general fund.
  • Requires DMV administrative work to implement design approval, prepayment, minimum-order handling, and reporting procedures.
  • Availability depends on meeting minimum production order thresholds, which could delay issuance.

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

Sign in to ask a question.