The state board of education shall ensure:

(1)  Enrolled students are awarded education credits based upon their military training or service when academically appropriate; and

(2)  Establishment of a preferential class registration process for all state institutions, that shall be reviewed and approved by the board of education to allow combat veterans to register first for all classes at any state-run institution of higher education. In developing rules and regulations, the office of the commissioner of higher education, in consultation with the adjutant general of the Rhode Island national guard, shall determine individual preference ranking among combat veterans, including, but not limited to, the number of combat tours served, service awards, and any other such criteria deemed appropriate by the adjutant general.