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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nathan Biah and 9 co-sponsors

The bill authorizes a Rhode Island Manufacturers Association special license plate with a $40 issuance surcharge, funds split between the state and RIMA to support RI manufacturers

06/04/2026 House read and passed

Bill Summary: HB 8559 (Rhode Island) – Special Plate for the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association

Main purpose and intent

Authorizes the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a special motor vehicle registration plate for the not-for-profit Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA).

Purpose is to create a branded license plate that references and supports the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, with a portion of proceeds benefiting RIMA-related activities and Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.

Key provisions and changes

Authority and design

DMV is empowered to make available special plates for the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association.
Plates must be the same size as standard plates and designed by RIMA in collaboration with DMV, with design approval by the Rhode Island State Police.

Registration mechanics

The special plate is displayed in place of the vehicle’s regular plates and uses the vehicle’s existing registration number.
Original registration plates must be removed and turned in to DMV when the special plate is issued.
The vehicle’s registration certificate remains in effect for the special plate.

Minimium order requirements

Plates are subject to existing minimum prepaid orders per plate type (e.g., passenger, commercial). No plates are issued unless minimum orders are met.
The initial order is handled by RIMA and submitted to DMV only after minimums are met and paperwork is complete.

Prepayment and procedures

DMV must develop prepayment procedures and any other necessary processes to implement the program.

Fees and allocation

A $40 issuance surcharge is added to the standard motor vehicle registration fee for Rhode Island Manufacturers Association plates.
Distribution of the $40 surcharge:
$20 to the Rhode Island general fund.
$20 annually to RIMA to support Rhode Island manufacturers.
A subsequent renewal surcharge of $10 is allocated to RIMA.

Use of funds and accountability

Funds received from plate registrations must be used by RIMA for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
RIMA must submit an annual accounting report before distributing funds.

No refunds

There are no refunds for early cancellation of Rhode Island Manufacturers Association plates.

Effective date

The act becomes effective six months after passage.

Who is affected

Vehicle owners who choose to opt for the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association special plates (in addition to paying standard registration fees and the new $40 issuance surcharge, plus any renewal surcharge).

Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) as the benefiting organization responsible for coordinating design, initial ordering, and annual accounting.

Rhode Island charitable organizations benefitting from funds redirected through RIMA.

Rhode Island DMV and State Police for implementation, design approval, and ongoing administration.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced and referred to House Special Legislation on May 15, 2026.

Effective date: six months after passage, providing time to establish minimum order requirements, design, and prepayment procedures.

The program requires adherence to existing DMV plate issuance processes and minimum order thresholds, plus annual reporting requirements by RIMA.

If you’d like, I can provide a shorter one-paragraph overview or a side-by-side comparison with other specialty plates to help readers quickly grasp how this plate differs from existing options.