The bill amends Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws regarding the registration of vehicles by introducing a new section, 31-3-132, that establishes special motor vehicle registration plates for the Dominican Independence Heritage Award Committee. The administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles is empowered to make available these special plates, which will reference the Committee and must be displayed in place of the standard registration plates. The original registration plates for the vehicle must be removed and returned to the Division of Motor Vehicles.

The design of the plates will be developed by the Dominican Independence Heritage Award Committee in conjunction with the Division of Motor Vehicles, and must receive approval from the Rhode Island State Police. The special plates will be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and will be subject to compliance with existing laws regarding minimum prepaid orders before production can begin.

An issuance surcharge of $40 will be applied to the registration of these plates, with $20 allocated to the general fund and the remaining $20 distributed annually to the Dominican Independence Heritage Award Committee to fund its activities. Additionally, a $10 surcharge will be applied for subsequent registration renewals, with these funds also directed to the Committee. The Committee is required to use any Rhode Island-sourced funds for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations and must submit an annual accounting report before the distribution of funds. There will be no refunds for early cancellation of the plates. The act will take effect six months after its passage.