2024 -- H 7184

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LC004041

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- VETERANS' AFFAIRS-

MILITARY SPOUSE LIAISON

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Vella-Wilkinson, Batista, Hull, Kazarian, Azzinaro,
Noret, Ackerman, Morales, and Shanley

     Date Introduced: January 11, 2024

     Referred To: House Veterans` Affairs

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 30-17.1 of the General Laws entitled "Veterans’ Affairs" is hereby

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amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     30-17.1-14. Military spouse liaison; Position created; Duties; Report.

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     (a) There is created, in the office of veteran’s services, the position of military spouse

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liaison to conduct outreach and advocate on behalf of military spouses in the state.

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     (b) The military spouse liaison shall:

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     (1) Provide assistance and information to military spouses seeking professional licenses

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and credentials or other employment in the state;

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     (2) Coordinate research on issues facing military spouses and create informational

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materials to assist military spouses and their families;

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     (3) Partner with the Rhode Island National Guard Family Assistance Center and the US

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Navy local Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP) to arrange for resources, support services,

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and enrichment programs for military dependents and not solely provide referrals for Military

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OneSource;

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     (4) Examine barriers and provide recommendations to assist military spouses in accessing

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high-quality child care and developing resources in coordination with military installations and the

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state department of education to increase access to high-quality child care for military families;

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     (5) Develop, in coordination with the department of labor, a common form for military

 

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spouses to complete, highlighting specific skills, education, and training to help military spouses

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quickly find meaningful employment in relevant economic sectors; and

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     (6) Perform any other duties or responsibilities assigned by the director of veteran’s

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services.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- VETERANS' AFFAIRS-

MILITARY SPOUSE LIAISON

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     This act would establish the position of military spouse liaison, in the office of veteran’s

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services, to conduct outreach and advocate on behalf of military spouses in the state.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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