The bill amends Section 30-24-10 of the General Laws regarding admission to the Rhode Island Veterans Home. It changes the eligibility requirement for veterans from having served a minimum of ninety days to a minimum of two years, with honorable discharge. Additionally, it expands the definition of eligible veterans to include those who have earned a campaign ribbon or expeditionary medal for service in any conflict or undeclared war, as well as those honorably discharged after at least twenty years of service in the Rhode Island National Guard or a reserve component.

The bill establishes a priority admission system for war veterans, defined as any veteran of any conflict or undeclared war who has earned a campaign ribbon or expeditionary medal for service in either a declared or undeclared war, ensuring they are placed on a separate waiting list and admitted before non-war veterans. The director of the office of veterans services is granted the authority to waive certain requirements for veterans who can provide clear and convincing evidence of combat service.

The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5052: 30-24-10