The bill amends Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws regarding the registration of vehicles by introducing a new section, 31-3-130, which establishes special motor vehicle registration plates for the not-for-profit entity Cranston Cares. The Division of Motor Vehicles is authorized to create these plates, which will reference Cranston Cares and must be displayed in place of the standard registration plates. The bill outlines the design process, which will involve collaboration between Cranston Cares and the Division of Motor Vehicles, and requires approval from the Rhode Island State Police. Additionally, the special plates will be subject to compliance with existing regulations regarding minimum prepaid orders and will not be issued until these requirements are met.

The bill also stipulates that, in addition to the regular registration fee, there will be a $40 issuance surcharge for the Cranston Cares plates, with $20 allocated to the general fund and the remaining $20 directed to Cranston Cares for community initiatives. A $10 surcharge will apply for subsequent registration renewals, which will also benefit Cranston Cares. Furthermore, Cranston Cares is required to use any funds sourced from Rhode Island for the benefit of local charitable organizations and must submit an annual accounting report before receiving distributed funds. The bill specifies that there will be no refunds for early cancellation of the plates. This act will take effect upon passage.