The bill amends various sections of the General Laws in Rhode Island to incorporate the newly established Space Force into legal contexts related to military personnel and veterans. It adds "space force" to definitions and references throughout the law, ensuring that members of the Space Force are recognized alongside other military branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Key provisions include allowing depositions to be taken before the chief of operations in the Space Force and recognizing findings of presumed death by the chief of space operations as prima facie evidence in state courts. The bill also revises firearm regulations to include Space Force members among those exempt from certain restrictions and establishes requirements for safety courses for purchasers of concealable weapons.

Additionally, the bill allows commissioned officers in active service, including those from the Space Force, to perform notarial acts. It strengthens protections for servicemembers during foreclosure proceedings and expands definitions related to veteran-owned businesses and fair housing practices to include the Space Force. The amendments ensure that members of the Space Force receive the same legal considerations and benefits as other military branches, including special pension payments and exemptions from property levies. Overall, the bill aims to modernize legal frameworks to reflect the evolving structure of the U.S. Armed Forces and provide comprehensive support for all military personnel.

Statutes affected:
5460: 1-4-2, 9-18-5, 9-19-19, 11-70-1, 16-92-3, 30-17.1-1, 30-21-12, 30-27-2, 37-14.3-3, 34-27-4, 34-37-3, 44-53-8