Rhode Island House Bill H5815

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Report Pass: 6/12/23
• Engrossed: 6/14/23
• Enrolled: 6/15/23
• Vetoed: 6/24/23

Caption

Registration Of Vehicles

Impact

The enactment of HB 5815 will lead to amendments in Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws pertaining to vehicle registration. It would allow for a tailored renewal process for leased vehicles, which supporters argue will ease administrative burdens for lessees. By accommodating the typical lease term of three years, this bill aims to ensure that vehicle registrations align more closely with leasing agreements, improving the overall efficiency of the motor vehicle registration system in Rhode Island.

Summary

House Bill 5815 focuses on the registration of motor vehicles within the state of Rhode Island, particularly addressing the process for renewing registrations for vehicles that are leased. The bill proposes that leased vehicles with a lease period of thirty-six months and registered in two-year cycles can be renewed for an additional year to coincide with the lease expiration. This modification aims to streamline the registration process, making it more flexible for individuals and businesses with leased vehicles.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for this bill, some commentators have noted that adjustments to registration fees should be carefully considered to prevent financial drawbacks for the state or leasers. There could be concerns regarding how the renewal adjustments affect the Division of Motor Vehicles' operations and revenue structures. Overall, however, the bill has been positioned as a pragmatic response to changing vehicle leasing practices, promoting more coherent processes in vehicle management at the state level.