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5/8/2025
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Senate approves two Felag bills that help veterans
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved two pieces of legislation sponsored by Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Walter S. Felag Jr. that would help Rhode Island’s veterans.
“From exempting military pensions from state income tax, to waiving pet adoption fees for veterans to creating special vehicle plates for Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart recipients, the General Assembly has worked over the years to make Rhode Island even more welcoming to veterans and active military members,” said Senator Felag (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton). “These bills are another way our state can show our appreciation and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our military service members who have protected our nation and continue to do so.”
The first bill (2025-S 0075aa) would waive the fee for vehicle identification number (VIN) inspections for veterans and active-duty military personnel. When a resident registers a vehicle in Rhode Island for the first time and that vehicle’s last registration was in another state or country, they must have the VIN checked against the vehicle’s paperwork at their local police department. The legislation waives the $10 fee for this certification for veterans and active-duty military personnel, including National Guard members and military reserves.
The legislation now heads to the House for consideration, where Rep. Jennifer Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence) has introduced the bill (2025-H 5081). Representative Boylan’s bill has already passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
The second bill (2025-S 0914A) would remove the fee for registration and plate transfer for a Distinguished Service Cross registration plate. The Distinguished Service Cross is a military honor awarded for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations. It's the second highest military award for valor in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force.
The legislation now heads to the House for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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