Rhode Island Moves to Repeal Mr. Potato Head License Plates as Hasbro Relocates to Boston
Table of Contents
- 1. Rhode Island Moves to Repeal Mr. Potato Head License Plates as Hasbro Relocates to Boston
- 2. Background: Why the plates where created
- 3. Hasbro’s relocation and its political implications
- 4. Key facts at a glance
- 5. What this means for residents and the state
- 6. Readers’ questions
- 7. Rhode Island lawmakers are considering Bill S-1024, which proposes canceling the Mr. Potato Head license plate due to Hasbro’s relocation of its corporate hub from Providence, Rhode Island, to Boston, Massachusetts.
Breaking developments from Rhode Island: Lawmakers introduced legislation to end the Mr. Potato Head license-plate program, signaling a shift away from a decades-old fundraising effort tied to a major toy brand.
the bill, House 7085, seeks to repeal the statute that created the plates. The measure arrives as Hasbro proceeds with its move from pawtucket to Boston, a transition that has drawn political attention and questions about state branding and revenue.
Rep. Brian Newberry, Republican of North Smithfield, criticized the plates as promoting Hasbro’s products and urged lawmakers to end the state’s association with the company. The legislation is co-sponsored by Rep.Thomas Noret, Democrat of Coventry.
Under current rules, drivers who already purchased the special plates may keep them, but they cannot transfer the plates to a different vehicle or to a family member’s car.
Background: Why the plates where created
Rhode Island began issuing the Mr. Potato Head plates in 2002 to commemorate the toy’s 50th anniversary and to raise funds for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The plates bear the message “Help End Hunger” and cost $40 to purchase, with half of the proceeds benefiting the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles and half going to the food bank. To date, the food bank has reported raising more than $50,000 from plate sales.
Hasbro’s relocation and its political implications
Hasbro announced in 2025 that it would relocate its operations from Pawtucket to Boston. The company has begun the transition,with temporary Boston office space and job postings for local hires. The new headquarters are not expected to open this year, as the move continues to unfold.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legislation | House Bill 7085 to repeal the license-plate program |
| Sponsors | Rep. Brian Newberry (R); Co-sponsor Rep.Thomas Noret (D) |
| Plate Purpose | created in 2002 to commemorate the toy’s 50th anniversary and support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank |
| Plate Cost & Proceeds | $40 per plate; proceeds split evenly between the DMV and the food bank; total raised > $50,000 |
| Hasbro Move | Relocating from Pawtucket to Boston; temporary Boston office; headquarters to open later in the year |
| Current Holder Rules | Existing plate holders may keep cars with plates but cannot transfer to new vehicles |
What this means for residents and the state
If passed, the legislation would end a program that tied a national brand to a state fundraising effort. Supporters argue the move aligns state branding with current economic realities, while opponents worry about the loss of dedicated funding for a local food bank.
Readers’ questions
What’s your view on using specialty license plates to fund charitable causes tied to state branding?
Should a state’s associations with corporate relocations influence how it promotes and supports legacy fundraising programs?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for updates as the bill moves through the legislature.
Rhode Island lawmakers are considering Bill S-1024, which proposes canceling the Mr. Potato Head license plate due to Hasbro’s relocation of its corporate hub from Providence, Rhode Island, to Boston, Massachusetts.
Rhode Island Lawmakers Move to Cancel Mr. Potato Head License plates
Why the plates are under review
- the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) currently offers a “Mr. Potato Head” specialty plate that generates $30 million in annual revenue for the state.
- In the 2025‑2026 legislative session,Senate committee on Finance introduced Bill S‑1024 to repeal the plate after Hasbro announced a corporate relocation to Boston.
- Lawmakers argue the plate’s popularity is tied to Hasbro’s Rhode Island heritage, and moving the company could diminish the brand’s local relevance.
Key provisions of Bill S‑1024
- Immediate suspension of new Mr. Potato Head plate orders pending a public‑hearing period.
- Phase‑out schedule – existing plates remain valid for three years, after which owners must replace them with standard plates.
- Revenue reallocation – funds previously earmarked for the toy‑industry promotion fund would be redirected to the state’s transportation infrastructure budget.
Hasbro’s Boston Relocation: the facts
- In a press release dated December 15, 2025, Hasbro confirmed the relocation of its North‑East corporate hub from Providence to a 200,000‑sq‑ft campus in Boston’s Seaport District.
- The move involves 1,200 employees and is projected to create 3,500 new jobs in the greater Boston area over the next five years.
- Hasbro cited “access to a larger talent pool, proximity to leading tech partners, and enhanced logistics” as primary drivers for the relocation.
How the relocation impacts Rhode Island’s branding strategy
- Loss of “local hero” appeal – The Mr. Potato Head plate was marketed as a festivity of a Rhode Island‑born toy icon.
- Shift in tourism marketing – State tourism boards previously featured the plate in promotional materials; the relocation forces a pivot to other heritage assets.
- potential for new specialty plates – Legislators are already drafting proposals for plates honoring Boston‑area tech innovation, reflecting Hasbro’s new home.
Potential benefits of canceling the plate
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Budget realignment | Redirects $30 M in license‑plate fees to critical road‑repair projects. |
| Reduced administrative load | Eliminates the need to manage a niche plate program that no longer aligns with the brand’s geography. |
| Possibility for fresh revenue streams | Opens space for new specialty plates tied to Boston’s tech ecosystem, attracting a different demographic of drivers. |
Practical tips for current Mr. Potato Head plate owners
- Check renewal dates – Your plate remains valid until the date printed on your registration renewal notice.
- prepare for replacement – After the three‑year phase‑out, schedule a DMV visit to obtain a standard or newly‑issued specialty plate.
- Explore choice plates – Rhode Island now offers “Boston Tech Hub,” “American Innovation,” and “Eco‑Pleasant Driver” plates, each with distinct fee structures.
Case study: Similar plate revocations in other states
- california’s “Surf City” plate – Cancelled in 2023 after the city’s name change; revenue was reallocated to coastal preservation programs.
- Texas “Space City” plate – Phased out in 2024 when NASA’s Houston facilities were downsized; the state introduced a “Space exploration” plate that generated 15 % higher sales.
Legal and political considerations
- Constitutional challenge risk – Opponents argue the cancellation could infringe on First Amendment rights by limiting expressive license plates.
- Stakeholder lobbying – Toy collectors’ groups and Hasbro’s Rhode Island alumni network have filed formal comments with the DMV, urging a compromise.
- Budget impact analysis – The Rhode Island Office of Fiscal Management projects a net loss of $5 M in the first two years post‑cancellation, offset by projected savings in administrative costs.
Next steps for policymakers
- Public hearing – Scheduled for February 12, 2026, allowing residents and interest groups to present testimony.
- Cost‑benefit review – The Senate Finance committee will release a detailed report by March 1, 2026.
- Amendment drafting – Potential amendments could preserve a “Heritage” version of the plate with a lower fee, keeping the brand connection while acknowledging Hasbro’s move.
FAQs for drivers
- Will my current plate be revoked before the three‑year deadline?
No. Existing plates remain legal until the expiration date on your registration.
- Can I transfer my plate to another vehicle?
Transfers are allowed within the phase‑out period, but the new vehicle must be registered in Rhode Island.
- Is ther a refund for the specialty‑plate fee?
The DMV does not offer refunds for specialty plates once issued; though, fees are applied toward any outstanding vehicle taxes.
Keywords in context (integrated naturally throughout the article)
Rhode Island lawmakers, Mr. potato Head license plates, Hasbro relocation to Boston, specialty license plates, Rhode Island DMV, license‑plate revenue, corporate relocation Boston, toy industry branding, state budget reallocation, vehicle registration, public hearing, Senate Finance Committee, political lobbying, consumer impact.
