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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Carson

The bill creates Lime Rock Foundation license plates to raise funds for preserving the Ida Lewis Lighthouse, with $40 issuance and $10 renewals allocated to the Foundation and gene

06/04/2026 House read and passed

Summary of HB 7302 (2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

Authorizes the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a special registration plate for the Lime Rock Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization.

The plate is intended to recognize and support the Lime Rock Foundation, with design elements referencing the Ida Lewis Lighthouse in Rhode Island.

Key provisions and changes

Creation of a new special plate: The DMV may issue Lime Rock Foundation, Inc. plates that reference the foundation and Ida Lewis Lighthouse.

Display and registration: The special plate uses the vehicle’s existing registration number and is displayed in place of standard plates. Original plates are removed and returned to the DMV; the registration certificate for the plate must be carried in the vehicle.

Design and approval: Plates must be the same size as regular plates and designed by the Lime Rock Foundation, in conjunction with the DMV, with design approval from the Rhode Island State Police.

Prepayment and minimum orders: Issuance of these plates requires meeting minimum pre-paid order requirements per plate type (e.g., passenger, commercial). The initial order is handled by the Lime Rock Foundation and must be completed before submission to the DMV for production.

Administration and procedures: The DMV administrator will develop prepayment and other procedures necessary to implement the program.

Fees and allocation:

Initial issuance surcharge: $40 per Lime Rock plate issuance, in addition to regular registration fees.
Allocation of the $40: $20 to the general fund; $20 annually to the Lime Rock Foundation, for preserving the Ida Lewis Lighthouse.
Renewal surcharge: $10 per renewal, allocated to the Lime Rock Foundation.

Use of funds: Funds raised from Lime Rock Foundation plates must be used for Rhode Island-sourced charitable activities benefiting Rhode Island organizations.

Accountability: Lime Rock Foundation must submit an annual accounting report before distributions.

Refunds: No refunds for early cancellation of Lime Rock plates.

Effective date: The act would take effect six months after passage.

Who/what is affected

Vehicle owners who choose to obtain the Lime Rock Foundation, Inc. special plates (in addition to regular registration).

Lime Rock Foundation, Inc., which would receive annual allocations and must manage funds and reporting.

Rhode Island’s general fund (a portion of the initial surcharge goes to the general fund).

Rhode Island residents and charitable organizations benefiting from the funded preservation efforts of the Ida Lewis Lighthouse.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: January 23, 2026.

Committee action: Referred to House Special Legislation; recommended to be held for further study (March 17, 2026).

Scheduling: Scheduled for consideration on May 28, 2026 (action history indicates pending consideration).

Effective date: Six months after passage if enacted.

Potential impact and considerations

Public support for heritage preservation through a dedicated plate and funding stream.

Additional revenue source for the Lime Rock Foundation and the Ida Lewis Lighthouse preservation efforts.

Administrative process to establish prepayment requirements and design approval processes.

Financial implications for plate purchasers due to the $40 issuance surcharge and ongoing $10 renewals.

Compliance and reporting requirements for the Foundation to ensure funds are used for Rhode Island-based charitable activities.