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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dick Fascia and 4 co-sponsors

Creates a Rhode Island real estate-access themed specialty plate with surcharges funding the nonprofit RAMP for accessibility programs, governed by annual accounting.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor

Summary of HB 7229 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HB 7229 proposes creating a special, optional motor vehicle registration plate to support the nonprofit Real Access Motivates Progress (RAMP). The bill directs the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to offer a distinct plate design associated with RAMP and to allocate certain surcharges collected from plate issuance and renewals to the organization and to accessibility initiatives in Rhode Island.

Key provisions and changes

Creation of a special plate: A new real estate-access/advancement-themed registration plate for RAMP may be issued by the DMV. The plate would reference the nonprofit and be displayed in the same way as standard plates.

Design and approval: Plates would be the same size as standard plates. The design is to be created by Real Access Motivates Progress in collaboration with the DMV and approved by the Rhode Island State Police.

Prepayment and minimum orders: Issuance is contingent on meeting minimum prepaid order requirements for the plate type. The initial order is handled by RAMP and must be submitted with proper paperwork; production occurs only after thresholds are met.

Issuance surcharge: A $40 issuance surcharge applies in addition to the regular registration fee.

Allocation: $20 to the state General Fund; $20 to RAMP to support accessibility programs and initiatives.

Renewal surcharge: Each subsequent renewals carry a $10 surcharge, with funds allocated to RAMP.

Use of funds: RAMP must use Rhode Island–sourced funds for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.

Accounting and transparency: RAMP must submit an annual accounting report before funds are distributed.

Refund policy: No refunds for early cancellation of the plate.

Effect on existing plates: The special plate is issued in place of the vehicle’s current plates; original plates are returned to the DMV, and the registration certificate remains valid for the special plate.

Effective date: The act takes effect six months after passage.

Who is affected

Vehicle owners in Rhode Island: Owners who opt to obtain the new RAMP special plate and pay the associated surcharges.

Real Access Motivates Progress (RAMP): Receives dedicated funding from plate issuance and renewals, subject to annual accounting and Rhode Island–focused use.

Rhode Island DMV and State Police: Responsible for approving the plate design, administering orders, and enforcing compliance with minimum order requirements.

Rhode Island charitable sector: Beneficiaries of funds coordinated through RAMP, with a requirement that funds be used for Rhode Island–based charitable activities.

Procedural and timeline notes

The bill was introduced January 21, 2026, referred to House Special Legislation, and following committee actions, is scheduled for consideration in June 2026.

Six-month delay before the act takes effect after passage.

Overall impact

HB 7229 establishes a philanthropy-linked specialty license plate to support accessibility initiatives via a dedicated surcharge and annual accounting. It creates fiscal oversight and requires minimum preorders for viability, ensuring that funds raised are directed to Rhode Island–based charitable work through RAMP.