RI H7094

Creates the Rhode Island Orange Heart Medal, awarded in the governor's name, to recognize current or former Rhode Island residents who served in the U.S. armed forces or Rhode Island National Guard on or after December 6, 1941 and were exposed to toxic substances during service.

Qualifying exposures include Agent Orange and other military herbicides, open-air burn pits, and chemical, biological, or radiological agents recognized as hazardous by federal or state authorities.

Recipients must have a diagnosed service-connected illness linked to the toxic exposure (recognized by the VA or approved by the state director of veterans' affairs) and an honorable or general discharge.

Only one medal may be awarded per person; additional verified toxic exposure conditions are recognized with a bronze oak leaf cluster instead of a second medal.

The Director of Veterans' Affairs must maintain a recipient registry and establish application regulations; all program costs are subject to General Assembly appropriation.