Bill > S2420

This bill expands tuition assistance eligibility for dependents of National Guard members in Rhode Island, allowing them to receive educational benefits if the National Guard member is in good standing, meaning they are actively participating in all required training. The bill defines "dependent" as immediate family members registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and clarifies that a "National Guard member" is an active airman or soldier in the Rhode Island National Guard. This change allows National Guard members to transfer their state-sponsored tuition assistance to their dependents, in addition to using it for themselves, provided both the member and the dependent maintain good standing in their respective roles. The bill also outlines the service commitment required for this tuition waiver, which is one year of service for every twelve course credits or four three-credit courses received, and specifies conditions under which the National Guard member or their dependent would have to repay the assistance, such as failing to fulfill service obligations or withdrawing from a course for personal reasons.

Military Affairs and Security

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