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SB 2420

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

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

Rhode Island expands tuition waivers to dependents of in-good-standing National Guard members for up to five courses per semester at state colleges, with a $100,000 annual cap and

05/06/2026 Referred to House Veterans Affairs
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Bill Summary · SB 2420

Summary of Bill SB 2420 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

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

Purpose and Intent

  • To extend state tuition assistance benefits currently available to Rhode Island National Guard members to include their dependents, provided the member is in good standing.
  • The bill defines eligibility, funding limits, and conditions for this dependent tuition assistance program.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions (Section 30-3-40.3)

    • Dependent: Immediate family members enrolled in the DEERS system.
    • National Guard member: Active, in good standing Rhode Island National Guard member (airman or soldier).
    • Member in good standing: Currently satisfactorily participating in all unit training assemblies and annual training periods, certified by the Adjutant General.

  • Tuition Assistance for Guard Members and Dependents (new wording within 30-3-40.3)

    • Eligible status: Active, in-good-standing Rhode Island National Guard members eligible to attend a Rhode Island state college or university.
    • Benefit: Eligibility for a tuition assistance educational benefit equivalent to five (5) courses per semester at any Rhode Island state college or university.
    • Allocation: Benefits can be allocated to dependents; each state college/university receives an equal share of the education account funding, administered by the Adjutant General’s office.
    • Funding limit: The total funds in the education account shall not exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year.
    • Institutions: The five-course equivalent is to be distributed among Rhode Island state colleges/universities as determined by the Rhode Island Board of Governors.

  • Eligibility and Maintaining Status (subsections a–d)

    • To receive waivers for self or dependent: The guard member must remain in good standing, and the student (member or dependent) must remain in good standing at a state college/university.
    • Definition of good standing: Continuously participating satisfactorily in all required trainings, as certified by the Adjutant General.

  • Service Obligation (contractual commitment)

    • For each 12 college credits (or 4 three-credit courses) covered by tuition waivers, the guard member or dependent must commit to one year of obligated service in the Rhode Island National Guard.
    • Repayment if obligation not fulfilled: If service obligation is not satisfied, or if the member/dependent withdraws, fails a course, or fails to complete an incomplete grade within the timeframe, a pro-rata repayment is owed to the state.
    • Payment and enforcement: The debt may be offset against state transfer payments or state income tax refunds. The member/dependent must provide grade reports within 30 days of course completion and may face disciplinary action under the Rhode Island military code for noncompliance.

  • Effective Date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who Is Affected

  • Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing.
  • Dependents of these National Guard members (as defined by DEERS).
  • Rhode Island state colleges and universities (receiving funding and administering the waivers).
  • The Office of the Adjutant General (administration of the education account).

Financial and Timing Considerations

  • Annual funding cap: $100,000 for the education account (fiscal year basis).
  • Payment structure: Tuition waivers cover five courses per semester; dependent and member waivers allocated evenly across eligible state institutions.
  • Enforceability: Debt repayment mechanisms tied to state finances and tax/transfer payments; enforcement via military code provisions if conditions are not met.

Summary

SB 2420 expands Rhode Island National Guard education benefits by allowing dependents of in-good-standing guard members to receive tuition waivers for up to five courses per semester at Rhode Island state colleges/universities. The benefit is capped at $100,000 per year and requires a one-year service commitment per 12 credits (or per four 3-credit courses) with potential pro-rata repayment if obligations are not fulfilled. The program is administered by the Adjutant General and contingent on maintaining good standing in both the Guard and the participating college/university. The act becomes effective upon passage.

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

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