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 regular 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 and the development of prepayment procedures by the administrator of motor vehicles. An issuance surcharge of $40 will be applied, with $20 allocated to the general fund and the remaining $20 directed to the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. to provide funding for the Blackstone River Valley Environmental Clean-up and Education Fund. Additionally, a $10 surcharge for subsequent registration renewals will be allocated to the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc.

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 will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such funds are distributed. There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. plates. The act is set to take effect six months after its passage.