2026 -- H 7085

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LC003920

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

     Introduced By: Representatives Newberry, and Noret

     Date Introduced: January 14, 2026

     Referred To: House Special Legislation

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-3-72 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-3 entitled "Registration

of Vehicles" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-3-72. Special plate for Mr. Potato Head.

     (a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available a

special motor vehicle registration plate commemorating the fiftieth (50th) anniversary of Mr. Potato

Head. The plate shall bear the designation “Mr. Potato Head — 50th anniversary” and shall bear

the seal of the state imprinted on it. The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration

number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued and shall be used in place of and in the same

manner as the original registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for

the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and the registration certificate for the plates shall be

carried in the vehicle, in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for

the special plate.

     (b) A special automobile or commercial commemorative Mr. Potato Head — 50th

anniversary plate shall be issued upon application using forms furnished by the administrator upon

payment in addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, and a service charge

of forty dollars ($40.00) for each issue. The service charge shall be paid to the administrator prior

to the administrator’s acceptance of the application. Twenty dollars ($20.00) of the service charge

shall be paid to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be

allocated to the division of motor vehicles for its costs in manufacturing and distributing the special

plates.

     (c) Any current registration for “Mr. Potato Head- 50th anniversary" plates may remain as

an authorized and permitted registration provided the registration remains continuously renewed.

Any lapse, nonrenewal, revocation or loss or destruction of the plate or the registration for the plates

shall result in the permanent nonregistration and nonrenewal of registration for the plates. The “Mr.

Potato Head- 50th anniversary” plates shall not be transferred or registered to any other or

subsequent vehicle of the registered owner or the registered owner’s family or relatives.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

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     This act would repeal the authorization for issuance of special registration plate for Mr.

Potato Head. Currently issued plates, as long as continuously registered to the current vehicle would

remain valid.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003920

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