Bill Sponsors
Azzinaro, Shallcross Smith, Corvese, McNamara, Fellela, Solomon, and Kennedy
Committee
House Judiciary
Summary
Select
This bill updates the benefits provided to members of the Rhode Island National Guard who are mobilized for more than thirty days. Currently, the state reimburses these members for the cost of federal term life insurance premiums on coverage up to $400,000. This legislation increases that reimbursement limit, requiring the state to cover premiums for the first $500,000 of life insurance coverage. The reimbursement comes from the state's general fund.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Strengthens the financial safety net for the families of service members, ensuring they are better protected against economic hardship in the event of a tragedy.
- Acknowledges the rising cost of living and inflation by adjusting benefit caps, ensuring that public servants receive support that reflects modern economic realities.
- Demonstrates a commitment to the welfare of state employees who are often called upon to assist the community during domestic emergencies and natural disasters.
Cons for Progressives
- Allocates more money from the general fund to military-related expenses, which could otherwise be used for underfunded social services like housing or education.
- Subsidizes federal military mobilization costs with state tax dollars, potentially shifting the financial burden away from the federal government where it belongs.
- May be viewed as normalizing or encouraging military mobilization as a solution to problems rather than prioritizing non-military community service options.
Pros for Conservatives
- Demonstrates strong support for the military and honors the sacrifices made by National Guard members and their families in service to the state and country.
- Helps to recruit and retain qualified individuals in the National Guard by ensuring their benefits package remains competitive and provides adequate family security.
- Supports the traditional family unit by ensuring that breadwinners have the means to provide substantial financial protection for their dependents.
Cons for Conservatives
- Increases state government spending and the burden on taxpayers by expanding an entitlement program funded through the general fund.
- Shifts financial responsibility to the state for insurance costs that could arguably be the responsibility of the federal government or the individual service member.
- Expands the scope of government handouts, potentially setting a precedent for further increases in state-subsidized benefits for public employees.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- National Guard members
- Families of National Guard members
- State Taxpayers
- Rhode Island Treasury
- Military Recruiters
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/14/2026 Introduced, referred to House Finance
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Section 30-3-40.4 of the General Laws in Chapter 30-3 entitled "National Guard" is hereby amended to read as follows:
30-3-40.4. Payment of life insurance premiums.
Any member of the national guard who has been mobilized in excess of thirty (30) days and who elects coverage under a term life insurance policy issued by the federal government, shall be reimbursed from the general fund for the cost of premiums incurred by the member for said policy for any month or part thereof that the member has been mobilized. In the event that a member of the national guard elects coverage in an amount in excess offour five hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) ($500,000) under such policy, the member shall receive reimbursement from the general fund in an amount not to exceed the amount of the premiums attributable to the first four five hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) ($500,000) of coverage under said policy.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
30-3-40.4. Payment of life insurance premiums.
Any member of the national guard who has been mobilized in excess of thirty (30) days and who elects coverage under a term life insurance policy issued by the federal government, shall be reimbursed from the general fund for the cost of premiums incurred by the member for said policy for any month or part thereof that the member has been mobilized. In the event that a member of the national guard elects coverage in an amount in excess of
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.