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SB 2029

AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- NATIONAL GUARD

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Raises state no-cost life insurance for RI National Guard members mobilized federally to $500,000, with premiums reimbursed up to that amount.

06/05/2026 Referred to House Finance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2029

Summary of Bill SB 2029 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to increase the amount of life insurance coverage provided at no cost to Rhode Island National Guard members who are mobilized for federal duty. Specifically, it raises the state-provided life insurance from a lower amount to $500,000 for those called up.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends Rhode Island General Laws, § 30-3-40.4 (Payment of life insurance premiums) to:
    • Reimburse National Guard members for the cost of premiums for term life insurance under a federal policy for any month (or part of a month) the member is mobilized for federal duty, provided the mobilization exceeds 30 days.
    • If a member elects coverage in an amount up to $500,000, the state will reimburse premiums for the first $500,000 of coverage. Specifically, for policies with coverage above $400,000 (or $500,000 per the bill’s text), the reimbursement is limited to the portion attributable to the first $400,000 (or $500,000) of coverage.
  • The act would take effect upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • Rhode Island National Guard members who are mobilized to federal duty for more than 30 days.
  • These service members who elect term life insurance through a federal policy would receive state reimbursement for their premiums, up to the specified coverage amount.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced January 9, 2026.
  • Referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
  • Schedule indicates a hearing/consideration was set for late May 2026.
  • Effective date: immediate upon passage.

Additional notes

  • The accompanying explanation confirms the intent: to raise the state-provided no-cost life insurance to $500,000 for RI National Guard members when called to federal duty.
  • The policy applies to premium reimbursements for the first $500,000 of coverage; if a member selects coverage above that threshold, only the portion up to $500,000 is reimbursed.

This summary captures the bill’s core goal (increasing no-cost life insurance to $500,000 for mobilized National Guard members) and how the reimbursement works, along with who is eligible and when it would take effect.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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