The bill amends Chapter 30-8 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 30-8-11, which establishes the Rhode Island orange heart medal. This medal may be awarded, in the name of the governor, to any person who has served as a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted person in the armed forces of the United States or the Rhode Island National Guard while on active state or federal service, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.

To qualify for the Rhode Island orange heart medal, a service member must:
1. Be a current or former resident of Rhode Island;
2. Have served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or Rhode Island National Guard at any time on or after December 6, 1941;
3. Have documented exposure during service to:
- Herbicides used in military operations, including but not limited to, Agent Orange;
- Open-air burn pits or similar waste disposal operations used during military deployments;
- Other hazardous chemical, biological, or radiological agents recognized by federal or state authorities;
4. Have been diagnosed with a service-connected illness or condition causally linked to the specified exposures, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or documented in medical records and approved by the director of the office of veterans affairs or their designee;
5. Have been discharged with either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions; and
6. Apply for the medal with supporting documentation of eligibility.

No more than one Rhode Island orange heart medal shall be awarded to any one person; however, for each additional condition verified to be caused by toxic exposure that meets the eligibility criteria, the recipient may receive a bronze oak leaf cluster in lieu of a second medal. The medal shall bear the inscription "Rhode Island Orange Heart Medal -- For Toxic Exposure Service" and may incorporate design elements reflecting toxic exposure recognition. It may be presented at a formal ceremony or delivered to the recipient by the director of the office of veterans affairs or their designee.

The director of the office of veterans affairs, or their designee, shall maintain a registry of all recipients and promulgate regulations for the administration, application process, and documentation requirements for the medal. All costs associated with designing, producing, distributing, and administering the award of the Rhode Island orange heart medal shall be subject to appropriation by the general assembly. The act will take effect upon passage.