Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2754

Introduced
2/27/26  
Refer
2/27/26  
Report Pass
4/29/26  

Caption

URGING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT THE MAJOR RICHARD, STAR ACT

Impact

The resolution highlights the fact that under current laws, veterans who are medically retired with less than twenty years of service and a disability rating less than fifty percent face a 'dollar for dollar' offset on their retirement pay due to disability benefits. This legislation aims to remove such restrictions, allowing medically retired service members to receive full access to both their retirement pay and disability benefits without reductions. This creates a more equitable system for veterans who have served their country and suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses.

Summary

Bill S2754 is a Senate Resolution urging the United States Congress to enact the Major Richard Star Act, which addresses issues faced by veterans who are medically retired due to service-related disabilities. The proposed legislation is driven by the personal story of Major Richard Star, who was diagnosed with lung cancer after exposure to burn pits during his military service. Due to his early retirement, he became ineligible for concurrent retirement and disability benefits, which is a significant concern for many veterans in similar situations.

Contention

While the bill presents significant benefits to veterans, the challenges towards its enactment could involve budgetary considerations and concerns regarding the fiscal impact of increased benefits. Opponents could argue about the potential costs of implementing such measures and the implications it might have for the overall veteran benefits system, requiring careful consideration of the broader impacts on state and federal budgets.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0056

SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND TRADITIONAL MEDICARE FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

RI H5434

HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND TRADITIONAL MEDICARE FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

RI H5385

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)

RI H6379

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO UNITED STATES ARMY BRIGADIER GENERAL JACK HAMMOND (RETIRED) FOR FOUNDING HOME BASE NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND BRAIN INJURIES, WHICH PROVIDES MUCH-NEEDED SERVICES TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT NO COST

RI H5315

Allows retired election officials to work for the state board of elections on a temporary basis in any year in which a statewide, congressional or referendum general election is held.

RI S0350

Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.

RI H5373

Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.

RI H5140

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)

RI S1062

Renames the East Bay Bike Path Bridge, located in the Town of Warren, the Cpl. Richard C. Brule Bridge.

RI H5378

Requires an official declaration of war or an action to call forth the state militia by the United States Congress before members of the National Guard may be released from state control to participate in active duty combat.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.