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HB 7088

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 6 co-sponsors

Creates a Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub special license plate to fund veteran trips, with $20 to the General Fund and $20 to the Hub per plate.

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7088

Overview

HB 7088 (Rhode Island, 2026) would authorize a new special motor vehicle registration plate for the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub. The act sets up provisions for design, production, funding allocations, and oversight tied to the plate, including a per-plate issuance surcharge and annual renewal surcharge, with funds directed to support the Hub’s mission of providing no-cost WWII and Korean War veteran trips to the Washington, DC memorials.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a special registration plate to benefit the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub.
  • Generate dedicated funding to support the Hub’s mission, while ensuring funds are used for Rhode Island-based charitable activities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a special plate:
    • The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administrator may make available special plates for the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub.
    • Plates will reference the not-for-profit entity and be designed in collaboration with the Hub and approved by the Rhode Island State Police.
  • Registration mechanics:
    • The special plate is displayed on the vehicle in place of regular plates; original plates are removed and returned to the DMV.
    • The vehicle’s registration certificate must be carried in the vehicle and remains in effect for the special plate.
  • Production and ordering:
    • Plates must meet minimum pre-paid order requirements per plate type (e.g., passenger, commercial) as established in existing statute.
    • The initial order is handled by the Hub; production with the DMV occurs only after minimum orders are met and paperwork submitted.
  • Financials and allocations:
    • A $40 issuance surcharge (in addition to regular registration fees) is charged for the special plates.
    • Allocation of the $40:
    • $20 to the state General Fund.
    • $20 annually to the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub to support its mission.
    • A $10 renewal surcharge per subsequent registration renewal is allocated to the Hub.
  • Use of funds and reporting:
    • Funds received from plate registrations must be used for Rhode Island-based charitable activities.
    • The Hub must submit an annual accounting report before funds are distributed.
  • Compliance and refunds:
    • Plating requires compliance with existing DMV rules.
    • No refunds for early cancellation of the special plate.

Who or what would be affected

  • Vehicle owners who choose to obtain the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub special plate.
  • The Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub (as the beneficiary and administrator of initial orders and fund distribution oversight).
  • The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (administrative design, production, and compliance).
  • Rhode Island's General Fund (via the $20 per plate issuance surcharge).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Six months after enactment.
  • Process steps:
    • Minimum order thresholds must be met before production of the plates.
    • The Hub handles initial ordering; DMV production occurs after submission and fulfillment of required paperwork.
  • Reporting:
    • Annual accounting report by the Hub prior to distribution of funds.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive public-benefit angle by funding veteran-focused trips and honoring veterans through a dedicated program.
  • Administrative considerations include meeting minimum order requirements and ensuring proper accounting and compliance with DMV procedures.
  • Financial impact includes a modest per-plate surcharge that partially funds state operations (general fund) and partially supports the Hub’s charitable mission.
  • The act preserves the standard vehicle registration framework while introducing a targeted fund-raising mechanism tied to a non-profit veterans’ initiative.

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

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