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Bill > H5157


RI H5157

RI H5157
Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.


summary

Introduced
01/24/2025
In Committee
04/01/2025
Crossed Over
06/20/2025
Passed
07/02/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
07/02/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would provide that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees under the provisions of chapters 29 through 38 of title 28 ("workers compensation") and under § 9-31-8 ("defense of state employees by attorney general"). This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill amends existing law to expand protections and benefits for disaster response workers during emergency situations. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision (section (d)) that explicitly states that any authorized disaster response worker practicing professional, mechanical, engineering, or other skills during a disaster emergency will be considered a state employee and be entitled to the same rights as state employees under workers' compensation laws (chapters 29-38 of title 28) and the provision allowing state employees to be defended by the attorney general (§ 9-31-8). The bill defines "disaster response workers" broadly to include full- or part-time paid, volunteer, or auxiliary employees from various jurisdictions and organizations who are performing disaster response services under state or local government direction. This change aims to provide additional legal and financial protections for individuals who volunteer or are called upon to assist during emergencies, ensuring they have similar coverage and support as regular state employees. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Signed by Governor (on 07/02/2025)

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