Veterans

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 3001: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- BURIAL OF VETERANS

Provides that certain Hmong or Lao veterans who served honorably in military operations in support of the United States as special guerrilla units be granted burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill grants burial rights to specific Hmong/Lao veterans, expanding recognition and benefits for a veteran group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 2997: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- VETERANS IDENTIFICATION IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

This bill establishes a new chapter in Rhode Island law requiring law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities to identify and verify the veteran status of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. It mandates that agencies use federal databases to confirm veteran status within 24 hours of law enforcement contact, 21 days for parolees, and 7 days for inmates, then share this information with judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Verified veterans gain access to veterans justice outreach specialists who assist with connecting to VA healthcare, federal benefits, specialty courts, and diversion programs. The bill also requires weekly reporting of verified veterans to relevant state agencies and courts to ensure coordinated support services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by improving veteran identification, enhancing rehabilitation access, and protecting civil rights for veterans in the system.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates identification and verification of veteran status in criminal justice system, ensuring veterans receive appropriate recognition and potential benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HR 8285: HOUSE RESOLUTION JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 107TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION ON MARCH 15, 2026

This bill is a House resolution that formally celebrates the 107th anniversary of the American Legion on March 15, 2026. It recognizes the organization's history and contributions to veterans' rights, including its role in establishing the Veterans Administration and drafting the GI Bill. The resolution thanks the American Legion for its ongoing work supporting veterans and maintaining national security. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Legion's National Commander.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes American Legion's contributions to veterans' rights and thanks organization for ongoing work supporting veterans.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education

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passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 8251: HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO AUTHORIZE THE AWARD OF THE ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL, OR SIMILAR RECOGNITION, TO UNITED STATES SERVICE MEMBERS WHO SERVED IN HONDURAS FROM 1981 TO 1992

This bill is a House resolution from the State of Rhode Island that urges the U.S. Congress to authorize the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or similar recognition for U.S. service members who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992. The resolution states that these service members faced hostile conditions, terrorist threats, and dangerous circumstances during their deployment, with at least one receiving the Purple Heart and others losing their lives. It requests that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to key federal officials, including Senate and House leaders and the Secretary of Defense. The measure does not directly change federal law but serves as a formal recommendation from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to the U.S. Congress.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill advocates for recognizing veterans who served in Honduras with medals, honoring their service and sacrifice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8103: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE AND SALE

Increases the time that mortgage foreclosure notices are required to be provided to active military service members, from nine (9) months to one year, after completion of their active duty.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExtends foreclosure notice period for military members post-duty, providing additional protection against housing loss during transition to veteran status.95% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 7567: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES -- TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAM

This bill establishes a property tax deferral program for Rhode Island senior citizens (62+), disabled residents (as determined by the Social Security Administration), and disabled veterans (as determined by the Veterans Administration). Eligible homeowners can delay paying property taxes on their primary residence (including manufactured homes) until the property is sold, transferred, or upon the death of all owners, with 6% annual interest added to the deferred amount. The program excludes properties with reverse mortgages or less than 20% equity, and the state will fund it with $2 million annually starting in fiscal year 2027. Local tax collectors must report deferral claims by January 31 each year, and deferred taxes become a lien on the property.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax deferral relief for seniors/disabled, reducing immediate tax burden (explicit tax relief for vulnerable groups).95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax deferral for seniors/disabled homeowners, preventing displacement and supporting housing stability for vulnerable groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes disabled veterans (VA-determined) in property tax deferral program, providing financial relief as a benefit.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2700: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for veterans, reducing tax burden and offering direct tax relief per bill's explicit authorization.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAuthorizes property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans, directly expanding financial benefits under veterans' services policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Veteran Housing

passed · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2026

HB 7679: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- BURIAL OF VETERANS

Provides that certain Hmong or Lao individuals who served honorably in military operations in support of the United States as special guerrilla units be granted burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransGrants burial rights at veterans cemetery for specific veteran group, recognizing honorable service and expanding access to memorial benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7663: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

Provides a totally and permanently disabled veteran with a one hundred percent (100%) exemption from local taxation on real or personal property including real property located in any fire or lighting district.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax exemption for disabled veterans, reducing their tax burden per bill's explicit language on property taxation.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides 100% property tax exemption for totally disabled veterans, directly expanding their benefits and reducing financial burden.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7944: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

HB 7944 requires health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment under the same terms as medical care. It prohibits annual or lifetime dollar limits on such coverage and mandates that financial requirements (like copays) and treatment restrictions must not be more stringent than those for physical health conditions. The bill specifies coverage categories (e.g., inpatient, outpatient), mandates medication-assisted treatments for substance use disorders (like methadone), and ensures cost-sharing for behavioral health visits matches primary care standards, directly affecting all health insurance plans and their policyholders.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates equal insurance coverage for mental health/substance use disorders as physical health, prohibits dollar limits, and requires non-discriminatory copays/treatment restrictions.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransThe bill expands mental health and substance use disorder coverage, which directly benefits veterans who often require these services per VA data.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse

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