The bill amends Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws regarding the registration of vehicles by introducing a new section that authorizes the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. These plates will be designed to reference the association and will replace the standard registration plates for the vehicles they are issued for. The bill outlines the procedures for the issuance of these plates, including the requirement for a minimum number of prepaid orders, the design approval process in conjunction with the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association and the Rhode Island state police, and the necessary paperwork to be submitted to the division of motor vehicles.

Additionally, the bill establishes a $40 issuance surcharge for the special plates, with $20 allocated to the general fund and the remaining $20 going to the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association to enhance the ability of Rhode Island manufacturers. A $10 surcharge will also be applied for subsequent registration renewals, which will be directed to the association. The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association is required to use any funds received from the registration of these plates for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations and must submit an annual accounting report before such funds are distributed. The act is set to take effect six months after its passage.