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SB 2176

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alana DiMario

Create a special Rhode Island vehicle plate to fund preservation and arts programs for the Narragansett Towers, with surcharges directing funds to the Friends group and Rhode Islan

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2176

Summary of SB 2176 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

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

Purpose and intent

  • Create a new special motor vehicle registration plate dedicated to the not-for-profit entity Friends of the Historic Narragansett Towers.
  • Provide a financial mechanism to support preservation, cultural, and performing arts programs related to the Narragansett Towers.

Key provisions and changes

  • New Registration Plate

    • The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may issue a special Friends of the Historic Narragansett Towers plate.
    • The plate references the Friends of the Historic Narragansett Towers and is displayed in place of regular plates on the vehicle.
    • Original plates are removed from the vehicle when the special plate is issued; the registration certificate remains in the vehicle as required.

  • Design and Production

    • Plates will be the same size as standard plates.
    • Designed by the Friends of the Historic Narragansett Towers in collaboration with the DMV, with design approval by the Rhode Island State Police.
    • The initial plate order is controlled by the Friends group and must meet the DMV’s minimum prepaid order requirements before production proceeds.

  • Fees and Allocation

    • An issuance surcharge of $40 applies to each new Friends of the Historic Narragansett Towers plate, in addition to the regular registration fee.
    • Fee distribution:
    • $20 allocated to the general fund.
    • $20 distributed annually to the Friends of the Historic Narragansett Towers to fund cultural and performing arts programs and to promote preservation and use of the Towers.
    • A renewal surcharge of $10 applies to each subsequent registration renewal and is allocated to the Friends group.

  • Compliance and Use of Funds

    • Funds received from plate registrations must be used for Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
    • The Friends group must submit an annual accounting report before distributing funds.

  • Administrative and Operational Details

    • The DMV administrator is tasked with developing prepayment procedures and any additional procedures needed to implement the program.
    • There are no refunds for early cancellation of the plate.

  • Eligibility and Participation

    • Plates are issued and governed under existing registration framework (e.g., minimum order requirements, applicable fees, and procedures per existing statute 31-3-117).

Who/what is affected

  • Vehicle owners who opt to obtain the new Friends of the Historic Narragansett Towers plate.
  • The Friends of the Historic Narragansett Towers organization (as the beneficiary of the surcharge funds and responsible for initial production logistics and annual reporting).
  • Rhode Island state agencies (DMV and state police) in terms of design approval and administration of the plate program.
  • Rhode Island-based charitable organizations that may benefit from the funds distributed.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced January 16, 2026, and referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs.
  • Committee actions:
    • March 4, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
    • May 8, 2026: Scheduled for consideration (hearing/decision on May 14, 2026).
  • Effective date: Upon passage (no delayed effective period specified).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive impact: Provides a dedicated fundraising mechanism to support the Narragansett Towers and related cultural programming; increases community visibility and preservation funding for Rhode Island cultural assets.
  • Administrative considerations: Requires initial organization to meet minimum plate orders; ongoing reporting and auditing obligations to ensure funds are used for Rhode Island-based charitable purposes.
  • Financial impact on participants: Adds a $40 issuance surcharge at initial issuance and a $10 renewal surcharge, with proceeds allocated to charitable purposes and organizational programs.

This summary presents the bill’s core structure and anticipated effects in clear terms, suitable for readers seeking to understand its purpose, mechanics, and potential beneficiaries.

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

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