reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-17.1 - Veterans’ Affairs › Section 30-17.1-9. - Definitions.

§ 30-17.1-9. Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Advisory committee” means the veterans’ services strategic plan advisory committee as established in § 30-17.1-10.
(2)
“Committee” means the veterans’ committee pursuant to the provisions of § 30-17.1-11(c).
(3)
“State agencies” means state entities responsible for the implementation of services for Rhode Island veterans and their families including:
(i)
The office of veterans services;
(ii)
The Rhode Island public transit authority;
(iii)
The department of human services;
(iv)
The office of postsecondary education;
(v)
The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals;
(vi)
The department of health;
(vii)
The office of healthy aging;
(viii)
The department of business regulation;
(ix)
The Rhode Island veteran’s court;
(x)
The department of labor and training;
(xi)
The Rhode Island commerce corporation;
(xii)
The office of the secretary of state; and
(xiii)
The Rhode Island national guard.
(4)
“Veterans’ services strategic plan (‘VSSP’)” means the strategic plan as established in § 30-17.1-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 4, § 16; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 1, § 14; P.L. 2017, ch. 131, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 152, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-17.1 - Veterans’ Affairs › Section 30-17.1-10. - Veterans’ services strategic plan advisory committee established.

§ 30-17.1-10. Veterans’ services strategic plan advisory committee established.
(a)
There is hereby created a veterans’ services strategic plan advisory committee known as “the Rhode Island veterans’ services strategic plan advisory committee” consisting of fourteen (14) members as follows:
(1)
One of whom shall be the director of the office of veterans services, or his or her designee, who shall serve as chairperson;
(2)
One of whom shall be the director of the department of human services, or his or her designee;
(3)
One of whom shall be the executive director of the public transit authority, or his or her designee;
(4)
One of whom shall be the postsecondary education commissioner, or his or her designee;
(5)
One of whom shall be the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, or his or her designee;
(6)
One of whom shall be the director of the department of health, or his or her designee;
(7)
One of whom shall be the director of the office of healthy aging, or his or her designee;
(8)
One of whom shall be the director of the department of business regulation, or his or her designee;
(9)
One of whom shall be the chief judge of the district court, or his or her designee;
(10)
One of whom shall be the director of the department of labor and training, or his or her designee;
(11)
One of whom shall be the director of the Rhode Island commerce corporation, or his or her designee;
(12)
One of whom shall be the secretary of state, or his or her designee;
(13)
One of whom shall be the adjutant general of the Rhode Island national guard, or his or her designee; and
(14)
One of whom shall be a representative for Rhode Island municipal governments.
(b)
Forthwith upon the passage of this chapter, the members of the advisory committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson and organize. Thereafter, the committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson or three (3) members of the advisory committee.
(c)
All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information, documentation, and otherwise to the committee and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable by the advisory committee to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.
(d)
The office of veterans services is hereby directed to provide suitable quarters and staff for the advisory committee.
(e)
[Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 131, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 152, § 1].
(f)
The members of the advisory committee shall receive no compensation for their services.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 4, § 16; P.L. 2017, ch. 131, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 152, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-17.1 - Veterans’ Affairs › Section 30-17.1-11. - The duties of the committee.

§ 30-17.1-11. The duties of the committee.
(a)
The advisory committee, acting through the office of veterans services, shall work in conjunction with the department of human services to develop, maintain, and annually update a five-year (5) statewide veterans’ services strategic plan (“VSSP”) that includes goals and measurable outcomes to ensure that all departments deliver comprehensive services and supports for veterans and their families.
(b)
The advisory committee shall conduct an analysis of study toward the development of the “VSSP” that shall include, but not be limited to, the following veterans’ issues:
(1)
Living in poverty;
(2)
Disability benefits;
(3)
Employment and training;
(4)
Education;
(5)
Family members and caregivers;
(6)
Financial planning;
(7)
Homelessness;
(8)
Legal services;
(9)
Long-term care;
(10)
Mortuary affairs;
(11)
Healthcare;
(12)
Transitional assistance; and
(13)
Transportation.
(c)
The chairperson of the committee shall consult regularly with veterans and community groups that represent diverse interests and viewpoints and the federal department of veterans’ affairs, to receive input on all matters pertaining to the preparation or implementation of the veterans’ services strategic plan.
(d)
The “VSSP” shall:
(1)
Be based upon comprehensive data gained through open and transparent engagement of veterans’ stakeholders;
(2)
Produce veteran-centric policies and procedures informed by forward looking planning;
(3)
Realistically assess resource adequacy and capabilities delivered;
(4)
Ensure that existing resources are aligned to mission critical objectives;
(5)
Complement, as well as leverage, existing U.S. Veterans’ Administration programs and best practices;
(6)
Foster state, federal, and private partnerships that seamlessly deliver exceptional services to the state’s veteran population; and
(7)
More effectively coordinate the delivery of veterans’ services to all current and future veterans in Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 4, § 16; P.L. 2017, ch. 131, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 152, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-17.1 - Veterans’ Affairs › Section 30-17.1-12. - Meeting and reporting requirements for the advisory committee.

§ 30-17.1-12. Meeting and reporting requirements for the advisory committee.
(a)
The advisory committee shall meet regularly on an annual basis and at the call of the chairperson or three (3) committee members.
(b)
The advisory committee shall provide a copy of the veterans’ services strategic plan “VSSP” to the senate president, speaker of the house, senate fiscal advisor, and house fiscal advisor one year after the amendment of this act.
(c)
The advisory committee shall report annually to the governor and the general assembly, no later than April of each year, on the progress made in achieving the goals and objectives set forth and any other pertinent information. A progress update of the “VSSP” in the office of veterans services annual report will satisfy this requirement.
(d)
The advisory committee shall update the “VSSP” every five (5) years and provide a copy of the plan to the senate president, speaker of the house, and senate and house fiscal advisors.
(e)
The advisory committee shall be subject to the provisions of § 38-2-1 et seq., Access to Public Records Act, and § 42-46-1 et seq., Open Meetings Act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 131, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 152, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-17.1 - Veterans’ Affairs › Section 30-17.1-13. - Veterans’ “pocket guide” and online resource application.

§ 30-17.1-13. Veterans’ “pocket guide” and online resource application.
Contingent upon funding:
(1)
The director of the office of veterans’ affairs shall produce and annually update a comprehensive “pocket guide of veterans’ services.” This document shall be a concise yet thorough compendium of the benefits and services available to veterans in Rhode Island.
(2)
Additionally, the director of veterans’ affairs shall develop and maintain a veterans’ online resource application of this information.
(3)
The director of veterans’ affairs is hereby authorized to accept grants and donations for this project.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 258, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 389, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 4, § 16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-18 - Recordation of Honorable Discharges › Section 30-18-1. - Recordation without fee — Sufficiency of certified copy.

§ 30-18-1. Recordation without fee — Sufficiency of certified copy.
A certificate of the honorable discharge of any soldier, sailor, airperson, or marine from the military, naval, air, or marine service of the United States, and in case of a sailor to include notice of separation from the United States naval service, form 553 and revisions thereto, may be recorded in the office of the town clerk or the city clerk, except in the city of Providence, where the discharge and separation notice shall be recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds. It shall be the duty of the town clerk or the city clerk, or the recorder of deeds in the city of Providence, to record any certificate and separation notice upon presentation thereof without the payment of any fee. For any purpose for which an original honorable discharge and separation notice may be required in this state, a certified copy of the record, or a form issued by the office of veterans services pursuant to § 30-18-4 shall be deemed sufficient and shall be accepted in lieu thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 438, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 653, § 1; P.L. 1947, ch. 1847, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-18-1; P.L. 2019, ch. 29, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 30, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-18 - Recordation of Honorable Discharges › Section 30-18-2. - Sufficiency of reference to recorded discharge.

§ 30-18-2. Sufficiency of reference to recorded discharge.
Any person who has served in the military, naval, or air service of the United States in the Spanish-American war, the insurrection in the Philippines, the China relief expedition, World War I, World War II, or any subsequent war in which the United States may be engaged, who has once filed evidence in a state, city, or town administrative office in this state that he or she has been honorably discharged from service or had the characterization of his or her discharge changed under the provisions of § 30-18-3, either in accordance with the requirements of § 44-3-4, or in accordance with the requirements of any other general or public law of this state, shall not be again required to show his or her discharge paper in making an application for tax exemption, licensing, examination, registration, aid, or relief, or in any other pertinent relationship in connection with any general or public law of this state, where evidence of honorable discharge from military, naval, or air service is required to be filed, but may refer any inquirer for verification of discharge and former filing of evidence to the office of veterans services, or other office or official where or with whom the discharge has been once recorded, which evidence shall stand so long as his or her legal residence remains in Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1452, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-18-2; P.L. 2019, ch. 29, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 30, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-18 - Recordation of Honorable Discharges › Section 30-18-3. - Change in treatment of certain discharges.

§ 30-18-3. Change in treatment of certain discharges.
(a)
For purposes of this chapter, all former members of the armed forces who were separated from the service with a general or other than honorable discharge due solely to their sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, may petition the office of veterans services on forms and conditions prescribed under § 30-18-4, to have his or her discharge recorded as honorable.
(b)
Upon a determination by the office of veterans services that the member was separated from the armed forces with a general or other than honorable discharge due solely to their sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, the director of the office of veterans services shall provide a form to be recorded pursuant to §§ 30-18-1 and 30-18-2 certifying that the member’s discharge is to be treated as honorable.
(c)
Persons who have the characterization of their discharge changed under this section shall be afforded the same rights, privileges, and benefits authorized by general or public law to service members who were honorably discharged.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 29, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 30, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-18 - Recordation of Honorable Discharges › Section 30-18-4. - Powers of director.

§ 30-18-4. Powers of director.
(a)
The director of the office of veterans services shall promulgate any rules, regulations, and forms as shall be necessary for the full and proper implementation of this chapter, including but not limited to:
(1)
Informing former members of the armed services that they may be entitled to benefits and privileges that were previously denied;
(2)
Recording all military discharges;
(3)
Verifying the characterization of the discharge for the purpose of benefits and privileges authorized by the general and public laws; and
(4)
Publishing and distributing materials to all state, municipal, and quasi-public entities highlighting the changes made to this chapter and the effect those changes will have on the application of the general and public laws.
(b)
The regulations shall be adopted only in accordance with the procedures established by chapter 35 of title 42.
(c)
The director of the office of veterans services shall also be empowered to enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter with regard to ensuring that each state or quasi-public agency and municipality is in compliance with this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 29, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 30, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-19 - Capacity of Minor Veterans › Section 30-19-1. - Obtaining federal loans.

§ 30-19-1. Obtaining federal loans.
Every minor of sane mind, whether or not under guardianship by reason of minority, who, under the provisions of federal law is eligible for housing loans, may, with the same force, effect, and validity as if that minor were eighteen (18) years of age with full legal capacity, enter into, make, swear to, or affirm, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all mortgages of real and personal property, notes, and bonds secured by mortgage and other instruments of mortgage and any and all contracts, agreements, notes, bonds, obligations, covenants, warranties, affidavits, and vouchers which may be requisite, necessary, desirable, or incident to obtaining any loan guaranteed, in part or in full, under the provisions of federal law, or to obtaining any loan, guaranty, or other benefit thereunder; and with like force, effect, and validity may contract for and purchase real and personal property and pay the consideration therefor in all cases in which part or all of the purchase price consists of the proceeds of a loan guaranteed, in part or in full, under the provisions of federal law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1583, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-19-1; P.L. 1987, ch. 54, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-19 - Capacity of Minor Veterans › Section 30-19-2. - Execution of mortgages.

§ 30-19-2. Execution of mortgages.
Without limiting the generality of § 30-19-1, a minor veteran as described in § 30-19-1 may, with like force, effect, and validity, execute, acknowledge, and deliver mortgages of real property containing such powers of sale, conditions, and covenants as are usual in mortgages taken by savings banks in this state, or mortgages in the form authorized by chapter 11 of title 34, or mortgages containing the same, or substantially the same, powers of sale, conditions, and covenants as are set forth in §§ 34-11-19 — 34-11-22.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1583, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-19-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-19 - Capacity of Minor Veterans › Section 30-19-3. - Purchase of insurance.

§ 30-19-3. Purchase of insurance.
A minor veteran may, with like force, effect, and validity, purchase and own policies of insurance relating to real or personal property mortgaged to secure any loan described in § 30-19-1 and may make any policy payable in case of loss to any holder of any mortgage on the property, and may endorse any check, draft, order, or negotiable instrument made payable to such minor in connection with that loan.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1583, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-19-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-19 - Capacity of Minor Veterans › Section 30-19-4. - Power to receive proceeds of guaranteed loan.

§ 30-19-4. Power to receive proceeds of guaranteed loan.
The funds loaned on any housing loan guaranteed, in part or in full, under the provisions of federal law may be paid over by the lender to the minor receiving that loan or at the direction of the minor and no person or corporation making payment of those funds shall be responsible for the proper application thereof, and prior to the application of those funds to any purchase or other purpose of that loan, any guardian of the minor shall not have, or be entitled to, the title, possession, or management of those funds and shall not inventory or account for them as part of the estate of the minor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1583, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 30-19-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-19 - Capacity of Minor Veterans › Section 30-19-5. - Powers of minor spouse.

§ 30-19-5. Powers of minor spouse.
Any minor spouse of any person who under the provisions of federal law is eligible for housing loans and whether or not under guardianship by reason of minority, may, with the same force, effect, and validity as if he or she were eighteen (18) years of age with full legal capacity do all that a minor veteran is empowered to do under §§ 30-19-1 — 30-19-3, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, join with the minor veteran in the execution and delivery of any mortgage or other instrument that may be requisite, necessary, desirable, or incidental to the obtaining of any loan guaranteed, in part or in full, under the provisions of federal law, or to the obtaining of any loan, guaranty, or other benefit thereunder, and, in that mortgage or other instrument, may release curtesy or dower in any property described in the mortgage or other instrument.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1583, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 30-19-5; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 42.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-19 - Capacity of Minor Veterans › Section 30-19-6. - Supersession of other law — Liberal construction.

§ 30-19-6. Supersession of other law — Liberal construction.
The provisions of this chapter shall be given full effect notwithstanding the provisions of § 33-15-13 or any other provisions of law contrary to the provisions of this chapter. This chapter shall be construed liberally so as to enable eligible veterans who are minors and their spouses and the minor spouses of eligible veterans to possess full legal capacity to obtain housing loans guaranteed under or provided under federal law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1583, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 30-19-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-20 - Veterans’ Professional Certificates › Section 30-20-1. - Renewal upon discharge from service.

§ 30-20-1. Renewal upon discharge from service.
Any certificate, issued by authority of the laws of this state, authorizing a person to practice a specific profession regulated by the laws of this state or to carry on a special trade or business occupation, which expires while the holder thereof is in the military, naval, or air service of the United States, shall be renewed without further examination, upon payment of the prescribed fee, at any time within four (4) months after the person’s discharge from the service.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1453, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-20-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-1. - Reinstatement by previous employer required.

§ 30-21-1. Reinstatement by previous employer required.
If any employee enters the land, naval, and air forces of the United States of America, upon his or her honorable discharge from service, his or her former employer, if requested within forty (40) days after honorable discharge and if the employee is still qualified to perform the duties of his or her former position, shall reinstate the employee to his or her former employment or to a position of like seniority, status, and pay, unless the employer’s circumstances have so changed as to make it impossible or unreasonable to do so, and nothing in this section shall be construed at any time to prevent the employer, if so requested, from restoring any employee by releasing any other employee of like or different status and pay or from granting employment to other honorably discharged servicemembers in the same manner as though they had entered service as employees of that employer. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to the penalty of a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1351, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-2. - Seniority rights on reemployment by prior employer.

§ 30-21-2. Seniority rights on reemployment by prior employer.
Any member of the armed forces of the United States or any citizen of the United States who served in the armed forces of the united nations during World War II shall, upon his or her reemployment by a prior employer within one year after his or her honorable discharge from the armed forces, upon proper proof of his or her service and the length thereof, be given by the employer, in addition to the seniority rights he or she had when he or she left that employment prior to his or her joining the armed forces, additional seniority rights equal to the time he served in the armed forces.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1562, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-3. - Repealed.

§ 30-21-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1562, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-3; Repealed by P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 64, § 1, effective June 21, 1985.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-4. - Waiver of rights.

§ 30-21-4. Waiver of rights.
Any veteran employee described in § 30-21-2 may waive any or all of the rights granted him or her by §§ 30-21-2 — 30-21-7. The form of the waiver shall be prescribed by the director of labor and training.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1562, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-5. - Rights of other veterans preserved.

§ 30-21-5. Rights of other veterans preserved.
The provisions of §§ 30-21-2 — 30-21-7 shall not apply so as to give any veteran of World War II any preference over any honorably discharged veteran of any other war in which the United States has participated.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1562, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-6. - Hiring of unqualified persons not required.

§ 30-21-6. Hiring of unqualified persons not required.
Nothing in §§ 30-21-2 — 30-21-7 shall require any employer to hire any person who, in the judgment of the employer, is not qualified for the position.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1562, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-7. - Failure to allow proper seniority.

§ 30-21-7. Failure to allow proper seniority.
Anyone knowingly violating any provision of §§ 30-21-2 — 30-21-6 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1562, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-8. - Preference in public employment — Notice to community service division.

§ 30-21-8. Preference in public employment — Notice to community service division.
In every public department and upon all public works of this state, any honorably discharged soldier, sailor, or marine who served in the army or navy of the United States during the Spanish-American war, Philippine insurrection, China relief expedition, or world war I, and who, having been disabled in service, and at the time of his or her application for employment, is a qualified elector of this state, shall be preferred for appointment and employment. Age, loss of limb, or other physical impairment, which does not in fact incapacitate, shall not disqualify the veteran, if he or she possesses the other requisite qualifications. Whenever any department, division, bureau, board, or commission in this state shall have a vacant position available, the department, division, bureau, board, or commission, shall notify the assistant director of human services in charge of the community services division that a vacancy exists.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 459, § 1; P.L. 1924, ch. 557, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 650, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2724, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-9. - Custodial service in public buildings.

§ 30-21-9. Custodial service in public buildings.
(a)
All vacancies that may occur in the employment of janitors, elevator operators, caretakers, or any positions in the custodian service in any building owned or maintained by this state or any department of this state shall be filled in the following order of preference:
(1)
By war veterans having a service connected disability, whose disability does not in fact handicap them in qualifying for a particular position;
(2)
By war veterans having a nonservice connected disability, whose disability does not in fact handicap them in qualifying for a particular position; and
(3)
By war veterans with no disability.
(b)
This section shall apply to persons who served in the armed forces of the United States during World War I or the Spanish-American War.
History of Section.
P.L. 1938, ch. 2562, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 650, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-9; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 43.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-10. - Notice of vacancies in custodial service.

§ 30-21-10. Notice of vacancies in custodial service.
The chief of each division shall notify the assistant director of human services in charge of the community services division of any vacancies to be filled in accordance with the provisions of § 30-21-9. He or she shall, in turn, notify all veterans’ organizations having a Rhode Island department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1938, ch. 2562, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 650, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2724, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-11. - Repealed.

§ 30-21-11. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1938, ch. 2562, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 650, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-11; Repealed by P.L. 1986, ch. 60, § 1, effective May 29, 1986.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-12. - Appointment to police or fire forces.

§ 30-21-12. Appointment to police or fire forces.
Any citizen who has served in the military service of the United States, in the army, navy, or air force thereof, and who has received an honorable discharge therefrom, may be eligible for appointment as a police officer or firefighter in any city or town of this state in the same manner as though that citizen were a qualified elector of the city or town on the date of his or her appointment; provided, however, that the citizen, if registered at any time during the military service, would be a qualified elector of that city or town at the date of that appointment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1920, ch. 1929, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 132, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 652, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-21-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-13. - Extension of credits, benefits, and privileges.

§ 30-21-13. Extension of credits, benefits, and privileges.
All credits, benefits, and privileges, excepting bonuses, granted and bestowed as of December 7, 1941 by the state upon men or women in the armed forces, shall be extended to include those veterans of the Desert Storm conflict, beginning August 2, 1990, and continuing to the present, honorably discharged from active duty.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 156, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 43.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-21 - Employment of Veterans › Section 30-21-14. - Preference in private employment.

§ 30-21-14. Preference in private employment.
(a)
A private employer may adopt an employment policy that provides a preference in hiring or promotion, or both, to a veteran.
(b)
A policy adopted under this section shall:
(1)
Be in writing; and
(2)
Be uniformly applied to employment decisions regarding hiring and promotion.
(c)
A private employer may require that a veteran submit a Department of Defense DD Form 214 or similar documentation of separation from the U.S. Armed Forces to be eligible for a preference in hiring or promotion pursuant to this section.
(d)
As used in this section, “veteran” means an individual who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable or general discharge.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 348, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 365, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-22 - Extension of Veterans’ Benefits › Section 30-22-1. - World War II veterans.

§ 30-22-1. World War II veterans.
The provisions of all of the statutes of this state granting benefits or privileges to veterans of any war in which the United States of America has heretofore been engaged, or to the widow or widower or domestic partner or other surviving kin of deceased veterans of that war, shall hereafter be construed to provide for like benefits and privileges for any veteran of World War II who has heretofore been, or may hereafter be, honorably discharged from the armed forces of this nation and to the widow or widower or domestic partner or other surviving kin of any such deceased veteran of said war.
History of Section.
P.L. 1942, ch. 1220, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-22-1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 9; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-22 - Extension of Veterans’ Benefits › Section 30-22-2. - Merchant marine.

§ 30-22-2. Merchant marine.
(a)
All credits, benefits, and privileges, excepting bonuses, granted and bestowed as of December 7, 1941 by the state upon men and women in the armed forces of the United States of America and then enjoyed by those armed forces, shall be extended to include members of the American merchant marine service, who, at the date of enlistment, were legal residents of the state; provided, however, that those members of the American merchant marine service shall have been in service for at least six (6) months, but in the event any member shall meet death before the expiration of that six (6) months of service, he or she shall receive all credits, benefits, and privileges to which he or she would have been entitled by this section had death not intervened in that six-months’ service.
(b)
All eligible members under this section shall file with the department of veterans affairs for a discharge certificate on forms provided by the department of veterans affairs for that purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1308, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-22-2; P.L. 1988, ch. 430, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-22 - Extension of Veterans’ Benefits › Section 30-22-3. - Veterans of undeclared wars or campaigns.

§ 30-22-3. Veterans of undeclared wars or campaigns.
The provisions of all of the statutes of this state granting benefits, privileges, or bonuses to veterans of any war in which the United States of America has heretofore been engaged, or to the widow or widower or domestic partner or other surviving kin of deceased veterans of that war, shall hereafter be construed to provide for like benefits, privileges and bonuses for any man or woman of the armed forces who has been engaged heretofore, is now, or may hereafter be engaged in the active conduct of and/or fighting in the Korean Campaign or the conflict in Vietnam or any following campaign or war, declared or undeclared, which the armed forces of the United States of America conduct or in which those forces have a part, and who, having been actively engaged as hereinbefore described, has heretofore been, or may hereafter be, honorably discharged from the armed forces of this nation, and to the widow or widower or domestic partner or other surviving kin of any such deceased veteran of that campaign or war.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2754, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-22-3; P.L. 1968, ch. 17, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 252, § 3; P.L. 1997, ch. 327, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 9; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-22 - Extension of Veterans’ Benefits › Section 30-22-4. - “Korean service” defined.

§ 30-22-4. “Korean service” defined.
“Active conduct of and/or fighting in the Korean Campaign” shall mean service by any man or woman of the armed forces of the United States between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955, inclusive. Provided, however, that the extension of the date from July 27, 1953, to January 31, 1955, in the definition of Korean service shall not entitle any veteran who served between July 27, 1953, to January 31, 1955, to any bonus previously paid, nor to any veteran’s tax exemption pursuant to § 44-3-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2754, § 1; P.L. 1953, ch. 3230, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3443, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-22-4; P.L. 1977, ch. 201, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-22 - Extension of Veterans’ Benefits › Section 30-22-5. - “Vietnam service” defined.

§ 30-22-5. “Vietnam service” defined.
“Active conduct of and/or fighting in the Vietnam Conflict” shall mean service by any man or woman of the armed forces of the United States between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, inclusive. Provided, however, that the extension of the date from August 5, 1964, to February 28, 1961, in the definition of the Vietnam Conflict shall not entitle any veteran who served between February 28, 1961, and August 5, 1964, to any bonus previously paid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 252, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 20, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-22 - Extension of Veterans’ Benefits › Section 30-22-6. - Domestic partner defined.

§ 30-22-6. Domestic partner defined.
For purposes of this chapter, “domestic partner” shall be defined as a person who, prior to the decedent’s death, was in an exclusive, intimate, and committed relationship with the decedent, and who certifies, by affidavit, that their relationship met the following qualifications:
(1)
Both partners were at least eighteen (18) years of age and were mentally competent to contract;
(2)
Neither partner was married to anyone else;
(3)
Partners were not related by blood to a degree that would prohibit marriage in the state of Rhode Island;
(4)
Partners resided together and had resided together for at least one year at the time of death; and
(5)
Partners were financially interdependent as evidenced by at least two (2) of the following:
(i)
Domestic partnership agreement or relationship contract;
(ii)
Joint mortgage or joint ownership of primary residence;
(iii)
Two (2) of: (A) joint ownership of motor vehicle; (B) joint checking account; (C) joint credit account; (D) joint lease; and/or
(iv)
The domestic partner had been designated as a beneficiary for the decedent’s will, retirement contract, or life insurance.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 10; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-23 - Veterans’ Retraining and Reemployment Committees › Section 30-23-1. - Purpose of chapter.

§ 30-23-1. Purpose of chapter.
By order of the President of the United States on February 24, 1944, there was established in the Office of War Mobilization a retraining and reemployment administration to have general supervision and direction of activities relating to the retraining and reemployment of persons discharged or released from the armed services and to develop programs for that purpose and for the adequate care of those veterans, including physical and occupational therapy for the wounded and disabled and the resumption of education interrupted by the war. By its order issued May 17, 1944, the retraining and reemployment administration outlined a plan for the establishment and maintenance of veterans’ information service centers in local communities by which it sought to provide a way to merge the interest of all organizations, federal, state, local, and civic, in the rehabilitation and assistance of veterans. To aid in the carrying out of this plan, the retraining and reemployment administration established in each state a veterans’ service committee consisting of a representative of the Selective Service System, the War Manpower Commission, and the Veterans Administration with power to enlarge its membership to include representation from local organizations or to represent the federal government on state committees of the same nature. The purpose of this chapter is to authorize the establishment of local veterans’ retraining and reemployment committees and the establishment and maintenance of veterans’ information service centers by the several cities and towns in this state to the end that all veterans may be furnished in their own communities with full information with respect to their various rights and privileges under federal and state laws and with adequate advice and assistance in securing the benefits thereof and in solving the problems of readjusting their lives from war to peacetime activities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1585, § 1; P.L. 1948, ch. 2107, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-23-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-23 - Veterans’ Retraining and Reemployment Committees › Section 30-23-2. - Establishment of local committees.

§ 30-23-2. Establishment of local committees.
Each city and town may, by ordinance, provide for the creation of a veterans’ retraining and reemployment committee with authority to establish and maintain a veterans’ information service center in that municipality and each city and town is hereby authorized to make appropriations therefor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1585, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 30-23-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-23 - Veterans’ Retraining and Reemployment Committees › Section 30-23-3. - Composition and purpose of local committees.

§ 30-23-3. Composition and purpose of local committees.
Each local veterans’ retraining and reemployment committee, hereinafter referred to as the “local committee”, shall be fully representative of all federal, state, and local agencies serving veterans in the community, and of all community groups and institutions therein that are interested in, and can contribute to, the program for providing the veteran with one place in the locality where he or she can go in dignity for full information and adequate counsel and assistance in solving his or her problems.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1585, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 30-23-3; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-23 - Veterans’ Retraining and Reemployment Committees › Section 30-23-4. - Organization of local committees.

§ 30-23-4. Organization of local committees.
The local committee shall elect a chairperson and such other officers as it may determine and may appoint an executive committee and subcommittees and define the duties of its officers and committees. The local committee may employ an executive secretary and clerical and other assistance within the amounts of appropriations available therefor. The officers and committees of the local committee shall serve at the pleasure of the local committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1585, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 30-23-4; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-23 - Veterans’ Retraining and Reemployment Committees › Section 30-23-5. - Duty of local committees.

§ 30-23-5. Duty of local committees.
It shall be the duty of each local veterans’ retraining and reemployment committee to mobilize and promote all existing community resources for the aid of the veteran in one place, through the establishment and maintenance of a veterans’ information service center, wherein all veterans in the community shall be provided with full information concerning their rights and privileges under federal and state law; assistance in securing the benefits thereof; and advice and aid in solving the problems arising in the readjustment of their lives from war to peace time activities. It shall be the duty of each local committee to prescribe the duties of its veterans’ information service center and to take counsel with the state committee and its subcommittees from time to time, to the end that there shall be in every community adequate information, efficient aid, and sound advice for the veteran, and uniformity of procedure in dealing with his or her problems.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1585, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 30-23-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-23 - Veterans’ Retraining and Reemployment Committees › Section 30-23-6. - Functions of information service centers.

§ 30-23-6. Functions of information service centers.
The major function of the veterans’ information service center shall be to provide information, aid, and counsel to all veterans in the community and their families and to maintain liaison with all existing federal, state, and local agencies. Actual determination of eligibility for benefits or special service must be the function of appropriate agencies. The veterans’ information service center shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the local committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1585, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 30-23-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-23 - Veterans’ Retraining and Reemployment Committees › Section 30-23-7. - Previous actions ratified.

§ 30-23-7. Previous actions ratified.
The actions before April 23, 1945, of cities and towns in establishing veterans’ information service centers, and the appointment by the committees of executive secretaries and the hiring of clerical and other assistance, and the actions theretofore of cities and towns in allocating funds and making appropriations for those purposes, are hereby ratified and validated and all those actions shall have the same full force and effect as if they had been previously authorized by the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1585, § 8; P.L. 1948, ch. 2107, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 30-23-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-24 - Rhode Island Veterans’ Home › Section 30-24-1. - Management and control.

§ 30-24-1. Management and control.
The management and control of the Rhode Island veterans’ home, established in this state for those who served in the army, navy, marine corps, coast guard, merchant marines, or air force of the United States in any war or conflict and were honorably discharged therefrom, who shall be in need of such care as is provided at the home, shall be the responsibility of the director of human services, or his or her designee.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 1901, ch. 809, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1914, ch. 1045, § 1; P.L. 1918, ch. 1633, § 1; P.L. 1919, ch. 1752, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 116, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 654, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 80; impl. am. P.L. 1949, ch. 2166, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2724, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 30-24-1; P.L. 1976, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 233, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 234, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 9, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-24 - Rhode Island Veterans’ Home › Section 30-24-2. - Bylaws and regulations — Supervision by director.

§ 30-24-2. Bylaws and regulations — Supervision by director.
(a)
The director of human services, or his or her designee, shall have the general supervision over, and shall prescribe rules for, the government and management of the Rhode Island veterans’ home. He or she shall make all needful bylaws and regulations governing the admission, maintenance, and discharge of the residents of the home, which shall not be inconsistent with the spirit and intent of this chapter, and generally may do all things necessary to successfully carry into effect the purposes of this chapter.
(b)
The director shall appoint and employ all subordinate officials and persons needed for the proper management of the home.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 88, §§ 3, 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 104, §§ 3, 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 116, §§ 3, 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 654, §§ 3, 4; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2724, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 30-24-2; P.L. 1976, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 233, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 234, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 9, § 5; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 46.