2002 Veto
2002 No Action
2001 Veto
2001 No Action
2000 Signature
2000 Veto
2000 No Action
1999 Signature
1999 Veto
1998 Signature
1998 Veto
1998 No Action
1997 Signature
1997 Veto
1996 Signature
1996 Veto
1995 Signature
1995 Veto
1995 No Action
June 25, 2002
TO THE HONORABLE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
In accordance with the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws § 43-1-4, I am transmitting herewith, with my disapproval, 2002-H 8245 "An Act Relating to Motor Vehicles and Other Vehicles - Registration of Vehicles."
This bill would authorize the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to issue special registration plates to vehicles registered by a non-United States citizen who is a member of a foreign diplomatic corps or foreign consular officer, or a United States citizen who is a duly appointed foreign diplomatic representative or a foreign consular officer.
The issuance of special license plates for foreign diplomats and consular officers is strictly a federal function administered through the Vehicle Registration Office of the Office of Foreign Missions, which is a division of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the State Department of the United States. Foreign diplomats and consular officers are required to register their vehicles through the State Department so as to provide the privileges and immunities to which the United States deems them entitled. The issuance of diplomatic plates by a single entity - the federal government - ensures that diplomats are treated uniformly and in accord with international law. The only exception permitted by the federal government is for honorary consular officers, who may have special plates issued by a state indicating their honorary status. This bill, however, does not address honorary consular officers, and instead improperly infringes on the exclusive jurisdiction of the State Department.
For these reasons, I disapprove of this legislation and respectfully urge your support of this veto.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Almond
Governor