2017 -- H 5198

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LC000949

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- VETERANS' BENEFITS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Vella-Wilkinson, Nardolillo, Lancia, Solomon, and
Barros

     Date Introduced: January 25, 2017

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 30-22 of the General Laws entitled "Extension of Veterans'

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Benefits" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     30-22-7. Change in treatment of certain discharges.

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     For any purpose regarding the qualification of a veteran for state veterans' benefits, a

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general discharge, or an "Undesirable Discharge - Class I or II Homosexual" which was based

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upon the sexual orientation of the veteran, shall entitle the recipient to those state benefits

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accorded veterans receiving honorable discharges.

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     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 MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- VETERANS' BENEFITS

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     This act would permit the recipients of general or an "Undesirable – Class I or II

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Homosexual" discharges to qualify for state veterans' benefits when the discharge was based on

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the veteran's sexual orientation.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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