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5/7/2026
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Senate passes Felag bills that help, support and honor service members
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today passed three bills sponsored by Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Walter S. Felag Jr. that help, support and honor Rhode Island’s service members.
“We owe everything we hold dear to the bravery, dedication and sacrifices that our service members make while in uniform. These bills honor their service and support our service members and their families. It’s the least we can do to thank and recognize them for their selfless service to us all,” said Chairman Felag (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton).
The first bill (2026-S 2177) 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.
The second bill (2026-S 2756) 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.
The third bill (2026-S 2996) would create three new state awards to recognize Rhode Island military and National Guard members. The new honors created would be the Rhode Island Legion of Merit, awarded to service members who demonstrate outstanding service while in key leadership positions; the Rhode Island State Partnership Program Ribbon, awarded to service members who serve for at least five consecutive days in a RI National Guard state partnership program country; and the Rhode Island Funeral Honors Ribbon, awarded to service members for their dedicated service as a part of a military funeral honors team. In addition, the bill expands the eligibility for the Rhode Island Star to certain civilian government employees and military and civilian leaders of foreign governments for their outstanding service and contributions to Rhode Island.
All three pieces of legislation now head to the House for consideration, where House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly) has introduced the three bills (2026-H 7094, 2026-H 8125, 2026-H 8123). Chairman Azzinaro’s bills have all passed the House recently and been referred to the Senate.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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