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SB 3362

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a Rhode Island specialty license plate that funds Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee activities via $40 issuance and $10 renewal surcharges, with annual ac

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 3362

Summary of SB 3362 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose

  • Authorizes the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a special motor vehicle license plate for the not-for-profit entity named the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of RI.
  • Creates a dedicated funding mechanism to support the Committee from plate issuance and renewal surcharges.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Special Plate Authorization (Section 31-3-132):

    • DMV may make available a special license plate referencing the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of RI.
    • The special plate replaces the vehicle’s standard plates while attached to the same registration number.
    • Original plates are removed and returned to DMV; the registration certificate must be carried in the vehicle.

  • Design and Approval:

    • Plates must be the same size as regular plates and designed by the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of RI in collaboration with the DMV, with design approval by the Rhode Island State Police.

  • Minimum Order Requirements:

    • Plates are subject to the existing § 31-3-117 minimum prepaid order requirements.
    • The initial order is handled by the Committee and must meet minimums before production and issuance.

  • Prepayment and Procedures:

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

  • Issuance and Surcharge (Fees):

    • An additional issuance surcharge of $40 is added to the standard registration fee for the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee plates.
    • Allocation of the $40 surcharge:
    • $20 to the state General Fund.
    • $20 to the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of RI for funding.

  • Renewal Surcharge:

    • A $10 renewal surcharge is added to subsequent registrations (renewals) for these plates.
    • Renewal surcharge funds are directed to the Committee of RI.

  • Use of Funds:

    • Funds received from plate registrations must be used for Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
    • The Committee must provide an annual accounting report prior to distributing funds.

  • No refunds for early cancellation:

    • If a customer cancels their plate before fulfillment, there are no refunds.

  • Effective Date:

    • The act takes effect six months after passage.

Who/What Is Affected

  • People Issuing/Obtaining Plates:
    • Rhode Island vehicle owners who choose to obtain the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee plates.
  • Financial Flows:
    • Surcharge funds directed to the General Fund and to the Committee for Rhode Island charitable activities.
  • Organizations:
    • The Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of RI (receives and administers funds and must report annually).
  • Regulatory Bodies:
    • DMV and Rhode Island State Police (design approval) participate in the plate program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The program requires:
    • Compliance with existing plate minimum order rules.
    • Development of prepayment and issuance procedures by DMV.
  • Financial provisions require annual accounting by the Committee before distributing funds.
  • Six-month delay before the act becomes effective after passage.

Overall Impact

  • The bill creates a dedicated specialty license plate to raise funds for Rhode Island charitable activities through the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of RI.
  • It establishes a structured funding stream (initial $40 issuance surcharge and $10 renewal surcharge) with oversight and reporting requirements.

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

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