Chapter 217

2013 -- H 5856 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 07/11/13

 

A N A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE - EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR COMBAT VETERANS

          

     Introduced By: Representatives Abney, Fellela, Gallison, Casey, and Messier

     Date Introduced: March 06, 2013

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

     SECTION 1. Title 30 of the General Laws entitled "MILITARY AFFAIRS AND

DEFENSE" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

 

CHAPTER 30.2

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR COMBAT VETERANS

 

     30-30.2-1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Education

Assistance For Combat Veterans Act."

 

     30-30.2-2. Statement of purpose. It is hereby found and declared as follows: (1) The

fundamental freedoms enjoyed by all citizens of our state and these United States are insured in

no small part through the honorable service of our nation's military veterans;

     (2) The people of the state have a deep debt of gratitude for the sacrifices made by these

men and women who as combat veterans placed their lives in harm's way to protect and defend

our nation from all foreign enemies and terrorist threats; and

     (3) These men and women should be allowed to resume their education, receive academic

credit commensurate with their military training and experience, graduate, and ultimately obtain

meaningful civilian employment upon their return to Rhode Island without delay.

 

     30-30.2-3. Academic credit for military training and coursework. The state board of

education shall ensure:

     (1) Enrolled students are awarded education credits based upon their military training or

service when academically appropriate; and

     (2) Establishment of a preferential class registration process for all state institutions,

which shall be reviewed and approved by the board of education to allow combat veterans to

register first for all classes at any state-run institution of higher education. In developing rules and

regulations, the office of the commissioner of higher education, in consultation with the adjutant

general of the Rhode Island national guard, shall determine individual preference ranking among

combat veterans, including, but not limited to, the number of combat tours served, service

awards, and any other such criteria deemed appropriate by the adjutant general.

 

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC01961/SUB A/2

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