Bill Sponsors
Felag, Appollonio, Lauria, Gallo, Burke, LaMountain, and Britto
Committee
Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
Summary
Select
This legislation amends the Rhode Island General Laws regarding vehicle registration for members of the National Guard. Specifically, it eliminates the costs associated with obtaining special "National Guard" license plates. Previously, active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard were required to pay a twenty-dollar service charge and a five-dollar transfer charge for these plates. Under this new bill, eligible applicants are exempt from paying any registration fees or service charges for these specific plates. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Eliminates financial barriers for National Guard members, many of whom are working-class individuals, allowing them to access recognition without a monetary cost.
- Demonstrates tangible support and appreciation for public servants who contribute to the safety and welfare of the community.
- Ensures that the ability to display pride in one's service is equitable and not dependent on an individual's disposable income to pay administrative fees.
Cons for Progressives
- Reduces the general revenue funds available to the state, which could otherwise be used to support broader social safety nets or public services.
- Creates a specific financial benefit for military personnel that is not extended to other essential public servants, such as teachers or social workers.
- Continues to incentivize and subsidize private vehicle usage rather than directing resources toward public transportation infrastructure.
Pros for Conservatives
- Lowers the cost of living for service members by eliminating government fees and keeping money in the pockets of citizens.
- Promotes patriotism and respect for the military by facilitating special recognition for those who defend the state and country.
- Reduces the government's ability to extract revenue from citizens through administrative service charges and transfer fees.
Cons for Conservatives
- Reduces state revenue, which could theoretically necessitate tax increases elsewhere to balance the budget, rather than cutting spending.
- Establishes a special class of citizens who are exempt from standard fees, rather than applying fee reductions equally to all taxpayers.
- Expands government entitlements by mandating free services, potentially encouraging other groups to lobby for similar exemptions.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Active National Guard members
- Retired National Guard members
- Spouses of National Guard members
- Division of Motor Vehicles
- Taxpayers
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
None
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Regulatory
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Environmental Impact
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Section 31-3-62 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-3 entitled "Registration of Vehicles" is hereby amended to read as follows:
31-3-62. National Guard plates.
(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered and authorized to make available to all active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard a special motor vehicle registration plate for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile or a commercial vehicle having a gross weight of twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.) or less. Upon the death of the holder of “National Guard” plates, the plates may be transferred to the surviving spouse of the member of the National Guard for the spouse’s lifetime or until the spouse remarries.
(b) The special motor vehicle registration plate shall carry on it the designation “National Guard” and shall also carry on it an emblem on the left-hand side of the plate to be designed and provided by the office of the adjutant general, with the numerals to the right of it.
(c)The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue the plate upon the payment of a service charge of twenty dollars ($20.00) and a transfer charge of five dollars ($5.00) for the plate. All revenues shall be deposited as general revenues.
(d) For the purposes of this section an active or retired member of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard shall be defined as any person certified by the adjutant general as currently serving or having retired under honorable conditions in either the Rhode Island Army or Air National Guard.
(e)(d) In a state of emergency, any active member of the Army or Air National Guard driving a vehicle bearing the special motor vehicle registration plate shall be authorized and empowered to travel upon the highways of the state notwithstanding any driving ban imposed by any state or municipal authority.
(e) The applicant shall not be required to pay a registration fee or service charge for the plates.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
31-3-62. National Guard plates.
(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered and authorized to make available to all active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard a special motor vehicle registration plate for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile or a commercial vehicle having a gross weight of twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.) or less. Upon the death of the holder of “National Guard” plates, the plates may be transferred to the surviving spouse of the member of the National Guard for the spouse’s lifetime or until the spouse remarries.
(b) The special motor vehicle registration plate shall carry on it the designation “National Guard” and shall also carry on it an emblem on the left-hand side of the plate to be designed and provided by the office of the adjutant general, with the numerals to the right of it.
(c)
(e) The applicant shall not be required to pay a registration fee or service charge for the plates.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.