The bill amends Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws regarding vehicle registration by introducing a new section, 31-3-132, that establishes a special motor vehicle registration plate dedicated to raising awareness for colon cancer. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available these special plates in collaboration with the not-for-profit entity, Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, which is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. The plates will be designed to reference the Partnership and specifically increase awareness of colon cancer, with the design subject to approval by the Rhode Island state police.

In addition to the standard vehicle registration fee, there will be a $40 issuance surcharge for the special plates, with $20 allocated to the general fund and the remaining $20 directed to the Partnership to assist in its mission to raise colon cancer awareness. A $10 surcharge will also apply for subsequent registration renewals, which will be allocated to the Partnership. The bill mandates that the Partnership use any Rhode Island-sourced funds received from the plate registrations to benefit Rhode Island-based charitable organizations focused on colon cancer awareness. Furthermore, the Partnership is required to submit an annual accounting report before such funds are distributed. There will be no refunds for early cancellations of the colon cancer awareness plates. The act will take effect upon passage.