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SB 2333

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Dimitri and 3 co-sponsors

Creates a Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame special license plate with a $40 initial surcharge ($20 to General Fund, $20 to HOF) plus $10 renewals to fund hockey-related activities

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2333

Summary of SB 2333 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • Introduces a special motor vehicle registration plate for the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame.
  • Creates a mechanism for fundraising to support hockey-related activities and statewide charitable work.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment of Special Plate

    • The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is authorized to make available special registration plates for the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame (RIHOF).
    • Plates are designed to reference the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame and replace the vehicle’s standard plates while displayed.

  • Design and Compliance

    • Plates must be the same size as regular plates.
    • Design developed by the RIHOF in collaboration with the DMV, with approval from the Rhode Island State Police.
    • Plates must comply with existing plate issuance rules, including minimum prepaid order requirements (per existing § 31-3-117). The initial order is organized by RIHOF and produced by DMV only after meeting minimums and submitting proper paperwork.

  • Financials and Allocation

    • An issuance surcharge of $40 applies to the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame plates, in addition to regular registration fees.
    • Allocation of the $40 surcharge:
    • $20 to the Rhode Island General Fund.
    • $20 annually to the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame to support promotion, preservation, and the game of hockey in Rhode Island.
    • Renewal surcharges: $10 for each subsequent registration renewal, allocated to RIHOF.
    • RIHOF must use Rhode Island-sourced funds for Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
    • RIHOF must submit an annual accounting report before distribution of funds.
    • No refunds for early cancellation of the RI Hockey Hall of Fame plates.

  • Administrative and Operational Details

    • The DMV administrator must develop prepayment and other procedures necessary to implement the program.
    • The plates shall be displayed and registered under the vehicle’s original registration number; original plates are removed and returned to the DMV.
    • The registration certificate for the special plate is carried in the vehicle as usual.

  • Effective Date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Vehicle owners who opt to obtain the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame special plates would:
    • Pay the standard registration fee plus the $40 issuance surcharge (plus $10 at each renewal).
    • Contribute to funding for RI HOF and hockey-related activities in Rhode Island.
  • The Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame would receive a dedicated annual funding stream (via surcharges) and would be responsible for ensuring funds benefit Rhode Island-based charitable organizations and for providing annual accounting.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced January 23, 2026.
  • Referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs.
  • Committee recommended holding the measure for further study (March 4, 2026).
  • Scheduled for consideration (May 14, 2026).
  • Takes effect upon passage.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Public Benefit: Provides ongoing funding to promote and support hockey in Rhode Island and to benefit Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
  • Administrative Burden: Requires DMV and RIHOF coordination on design, prepayment, reporting, and annual accounting.
  • Revenue Transparency: Annual accounting report requirement enhances oversight of how funds are used.
  • Policy Considerations: As with other specialty plates, the program relies on purchaser interest and minimum order thresholds to move forward. No refunds for early cancellation may affect buyers who later change their minds.

Overall, SB 2333 creates a targeted, self-funded mechanism to support Rhode Island hockey through a dedicated specialty vehicle plate.

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

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