Raises the amount of life insurance the state provides at no charge to Rhode Island National Guard members called up for federal duty to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
Summary
S0029 amends Rhode Island’s National Guard law to increase the amount of federally issued term life insurance premium reimbursement available to eligible Guard members who are mobilized for more than 30 days. Under current law, the state reimburses premiums for coverage up to $400,000; this bill raises that cap to $500,000. The reimbursement applies only to premiums incurred during the period of mobilization, and if a member elects coverage above the cap, the state still reimburses only the portion attributable to the first $500,000 of coverage.
The bill is a targeted benefit for Rhode Island National Guard members called to federal duty, shifting additional premium costs to the state general fund. It does not create a new insurance program, but expands an existing reimbursement provision in state law governing the National Guard. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.
Impact
This bill amends § 30-3-40.4 of the Rhode Island General Laws to increase the state reimbursement cap for National Guard life insurance premiums from $400,000 to $500,000 for members mobilized more than 30 days. The practical effect is a larger state-funded benefit for eligible Guard members and a corresponding increase in potential general fund expenditures. It affects National Guard personnel who elect federal term life insurance coverage while on extended mobilization.
Sentiment
The available record suggests broad support and little controversy. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, 36-0, indicating strong bipartisan approval for expanding a benefit for deployed National Guard members. No committee transcript is available, but the vote history points to a favorable and noncontentious reception.
Contention
There is no recorded substantive opposition in the available materials. The only likely policy consideration is fiscal, since the bill increases the amount of premium reimbursement paid from the general fund. Any concern would center on state cost versus the benefit provided to mobilized National Guard members, but no specific objections or competing viewpoints are documented in the transcript or vote record.