Bill > H5372

This bill amends existing Rhode Island law to extend a presumptive disability benefit to police officers, previously only available to firefighters. Under this legislation, police officers and firefighters who become unable to perform their duties due to heart disease, stroke, or hypertension will be presumed to have suffered an in-the-line-of-duty disability and be eligible for related benefits. However, this presumption does not apply to officers hired after July 1, 2025, if a pre-hiring physical examination revealed the condition or if the officer regularly used tobacco products in the five years prior to diagnosis. The key purpose is to provide additional support and financial protection for first responders who develop serious health conditions that may be linked to the physical and mental stress of their profession. The bill aims to recognize the potential long-term health risks faced by police officers and firefighters by ensuring they receive appropriate compensation and support if they become disabled due to specific health conditions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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