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RI S2177
Bill
Status
1/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Walter Felag
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AI Summary
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Creates the Rhode Island Orange Heart Medal, awarded in the governor's name, to recognize veterans exposed to toxic substances including Agent Orange, open-air burn pits, and other hazardous chemical, biological, or radiological agents during military service
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Eligibility requires current or former Rhode Island residency, active duty service on or after December 6, 1941, documented toxic exposure, a diagnosed service-connected illness linked to that exposure, and honorable or general discharge
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Limits recipients to one medal per person, with a bronze oak leaf cluster awarded for each additional verified toxic exposure-related condition
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Directs the Office of Veterans' Affairs to maintain a recipient registry, promulgate regulations for the application process, and administer the medal program
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All costs for designing, producing, distributing, and administering the medal are subject to General Assembly appropriation
Legislative Description
Establishes 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.
Military Affairs And Defense
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/11/2026