The bill amends Section 30-3-40.3 of the General Laws concerning educational benefits for National Guard members. It establishes that National Guard members in good standing are eligible for tuition assistance benefits, which they may allocate to their dependents. Dependents are defined as immediate family members enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The total funding for this educational account is capped at $100,000 per fiscal year, with the distribution of funds among state institutions determined by the board of governors.

To maintain eligibility for these benefits, members must remain in good standing within the National Guard and as students at their respective institutions. The bill also stipulates that participants must enter into a contractual enlistment commitment, requiring one year of service for every twelve course credits or four courses for which tuition is waived. If members fail to meet their service obligations or academic requirements, they may be required to repay a pro-rata share of the tuition assistance, which could be collected through offsets against state payments or tax refunds. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
757: 30-3-40.3