This bill creates three new awards within Section 30-8 of the General Laws, which pertains to military decorations. The Rhode Island star may now be awarded not only to members of the armed forces but also to civilian government employees and military and civilian senior leaders of foreign governments for their outstanding service and contributions to the State of Rhode Island.

The bill establishes the following new awards:

1. **Rhode Island Legion of Merit**: This award may be given, in the name of the adjutant general, to individuals who are commissioned officers, warrant officers, or enlisted persons of the armed forces of the United States, including reserve components, or of the Rhode Island National Guard, who have served in key leadership positions on active state or federal service and have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service. This award is also available to retirees who meet the same criteria. No more than one Rhode Island Legion of Merit shall be awarded to any one person, but subsequent qualifying services may receive a bronze oak leaf cluster in lieu of another award.

2. **Rhode Island State Partnership Program Ribbon**: This ribbon may be awarded in the name of the adjutant general to individuals who serve for a period of five consecutive days in one of Rhode Island National Guard's state partnership program countries while on active, state, or federal service. No more than one Rhode Island State Partnership Program Ribbon shall be awarded to any one person, and this award may be retroactive at the discretion of the adjutant general.

3. **Rhode Island Funeral Honors Ribbon**: This ribbon may be awarded in the name of the adjutant general to individuals who serve as members of the funeral honors team while on active, state, or federal service. No more than one Rhode Island Funeral Honors Ribbon shall be awarded to any one person, and this award may also be retroactive at the discretion of the adjutant general.

The adjutant general is required to follow the provisions of Sections 30-8-7 and 30-8-8 regarding the design and procurement of the medals and the associated rules, regulations, and orders. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2996: 30-8-4