Bill > S0757

This bill amends existing Rhode Island law to allow National Guard members in good standing to allocate their state-sponsored tuition assistance benefits to their dependents, who are defined as immediate family members enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Currently, the law provides tuition assistance for National Guard members to attend state colleges or universities, covering up to five courses per semester with a total annual funding cap of $100,000. The bill maintains the existing requirements that participants must remain in good standing in the National Guard and at their educational institution, and they must commit to a service obligation of one year for every twelve course credits received. Participants who fail to meet these obligations may be required to repay a pro-rata share of the tuition assistance, which can be collected through state transfer payments or income tax refunds. The key change is enabling National Guard members to transfer their educational benefits to their dependents, expanding the potential reach of this tuition assistance program.

Military Affairs and Security

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