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4/28/2026
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House approves Chairman Azzinaro’s military bills
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STATE HOUSE – The House today approved two pieces of legislation from House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro that continue his focus of supporting active-duty and retired service members.
The first bill (2026-H 7094) would establish the Rhode Island Orange Heart Medal to formally recognize Rhode Island veterans whose service exposed them to toxic herbicides, burn pits or other hazardous agents.
“Members of the military who came back home with life-altering conditions after being exposed to harmful substances while defending our lives deserve additional respect and recognition. This medal will serve as that distinction and it will be a way to thank our service members who have sacrificed their health so that we all may live our lives free,” said Chairman Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly).
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration, where Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton) has introduced the legislation (2026-S 2177).
The second bill (2026-H 8125) would define “military-connected student” and permit military-connected students to enroll by remote registration upon presentation of military orders confirming that the parent or guardian shall be stationed in this state during the current or following school year.
“Our active-duty service members already have enough on their minds without having to navigate the sometimes-complicated process of registering their children for school. This bill will provide a quick and easy way to ensure that our military children will be educated, allowing their parents to focus on their jobs defending our freedom,” said Chairman Azzinaro.
The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration, where Chairman Felag has also introduced the bill (2026-S 2756).
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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