The bill amends Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws regarding the registration of vehicles by introducing a new section, 31-3-132, 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 be displayed in place of the standard registration plates for the vehicles they are issued for. The original registration plates must be removed and returned to the division of motor vehicles, and the registration certificate for the special plates must be carried in the vehicle.

The bill outlines the procedures for the issuance of these plates, including compliance with existing laws regarding minimum prepaid orders and required payments. The initial order will be managed by the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, which must meet the minimum order requirements before submitting the necessary paperwork to the division of motor vehicles for production. The design of the plates will be created by the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles and must be approved by the Rhode Island state police.

An issuance surcharge of $40 will be applied to the special plates, with $20 allocated to the general fund and the remaining $20 distributed annually to the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association to enhance the ability of Rhode Island manufacturers. Additionally, a $10 surcharge will be applied for subsequent registration renewals, which will also be directed to the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. The 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. There will be no refunds for early cancellation of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association plates. The act is set to take effect six months after its passage.