Rhode Island Military Legislation & Policies

Latest Status

Military Spouse Employment and Economic Opportunities (Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology Compact): Rhode Island Governor Signed Final Legislation

Demographic Data

State residents include:

3,075 active-duty service members
1,072 active-duty spouses
1,940 active-duty children
4,405 National Guard and reserve members
1,799 National Guard and reserve spouses
2,643 National Guard and reserve children

Data source: DMDC, Dec. 31, 2023.

Melissa Willette

New England Regional Liaison

New England Region

CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT

EMAIL

Ms. Willette became New England region liaison in 2023. Prior to joining the DLSO, she served as director of the Maine Veterans' Cemetery System, director of communications for the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, and senior legislative aide in the Maine State Legislature. Ms. Willette currently serves in the Air National Guard.

State-Specific Progress on State Policy Priorities and Sub-Priorities

See the latest status on legislation and policies being advanced in this state on state policy priorities important to military families. Find quick access to this state’s regional liaison, along with demographic data for the military community in this state.

No Action
Bill introduced
Priority advanced
Policy Passed
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Medicaid Waivers

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

09/26/2016

Allow Service Members to Retain Their Earned Priority for Receiving Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waivers Final Legislation

Rhode Island is one of a number of states that does not have waiting lists due to funding levels or has generally supportive policy such that legislation is not required.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Child Abuse Identification and Reporting

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

05/04/2022H6617

05/05/2022S2105

06/07/2022

Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Final Legislation

Thanks to Senator Alana DiMario and Representative Julie Casimiro, local jurisdictions in Rhode Island will develop reporting and information-sharing procedures between civilian child protective services and the military's Family Advocacy Program. Chapter 47/48 of 2022 ensures Rhode Island DCYF will identify the military affiliation of a victim or suspect at the onset of an investigation.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Military Spouse Teacher Certification1/3 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Expediting Applications

Temporary Licensing

09/30/2018

Temporary Licensing Final Legislation

The Temporary Initial Educator Certificate is available to out of state certified educators or individuals who have completed approved educator preparation programs in other states, and meet all Rhode Island certification requirements except Rhode Island certification assessment requirements. The Temporary Initial Educator Certification allows them to serve in Rhode Island public schools for no more than one year while they meet the appropriate certification requirements.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Improving Endorsements

Veteran Hiring Protection

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Purple Star Schools Program

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Service Member Licensure and Credit

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

05/21/2013SB-638

07/01/2013

Licensure and Academic Credit for Separating Service Members Final Legislation

At Rhode Island public universities, colleges and community colleges, military training evaluated for credit by the American Council on Education may be accepted if it is aligned with the institution's admission standards, role, scope, and mission.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Advance Enrollment

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

In-State Tuition Continuity

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Virtual School Enrollment

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Pro Bono Representation

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

09/30/2017

Pro Bono Legal Representation for Service Members and Families Final Legislation

Rhode Island Legal Services provides high quality legal assistance and representation to low-income individuals and eligible client groups for the purpose of improving their economic condition and overall well-being by protecting and enforcing legal rights, stabilizing the family unit and communities where clients live, promoting self reliance, ending domestic violence, preventing homelessness, affording dignity to all people, and reaching out to groups with added burdens on their ability to access the civil justice system.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

State Response to Military Interpersonal Violence0/3 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Recognize MPOs

Increase Peace Officer Responsibilities

Allow Virtual Appearance or Provide Victim Travel Funds

Ask the Question Campaign

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

10/01/2015

Ask the Question Campaign Final Legislation

RIServes is a coordinated network of public, private and nonprofit organizations serving veterans, service members and their families in Rhode Island. RIServes uses technology and its partner network to guide veterans, service members and their families to the most appropriate services and resources available. Our network (35 partners) works collectively to improve the coordination and direct service delivery to our military and veteran families bay asking the question.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Remote Driver's License and Vehicle Registration Renewal2/2 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Driver's License

08/01/2023

Driver's License Final Legislation

All residents of Rhode Island are able to renew both their driver's licenses and vehicle registrations online, by mail, or in person. This service may be used to request a renewal of an Operator’s License, State ID, or Commercial Driver License from the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. The new License/State ID/CDL/Registration will be mailed to the mailing address on file with the DMV, and registrants have an opportunity to verify this address before completing your request. Driver's Licenses can be renewed at https://www.ri.gov/DMV/licenserenewal/ Vehicle Registrations may be renewed at https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/registration/registration-renewal

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Vehicle Registration

08/01/2023

Vehicle Registration Final Legislation

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Status and Demographic Content

State Details

Regional Liaison

Other Content

Map Legend

Emeritus Priorities

Status and Demographic Content

State Details

Regional Liaison

Other Content

Map Legend

Emeritus Priorities

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