The bill amends Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws to establish a special motor vehicle registration plate for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. This new section, 31-3-130, empowers the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to create and issue these special plates, which will reference both the Council and the Blackstone River Valley Environmental Clean-up and Education Fund. The plates will be displayed in place of standard registration plates and must be designed in collaboration with the division of motor vehicles and approved by the Rhode Island state police.

The bill outlines specific procedures for the issuance of these plates, including compliance with minimum prepaid order requirements before production can begin. An issuance surcharge of $40 will be applied, with $20 allocated to the general fund and the remaining $20 distributed annually to the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. to support the Blackstone River Valley Environmental Clean-up and Education Fund. Additionally, a $10 surcharge will be applied for subsequent registration renewals, which will also be allocated to the Council.

The bill mandates that the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. must use any Rhode Island-sourced funds for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations. Furthermore, the Council is required to submit an annual accounting report before the distribution of funds. There will be no refunds for early cancellation of the special plates. The act is set to take effect six months after its passage.