Bill > H6319

This bill clarifies and expands the workers' compensation court's authority for injured sworn employees (police and firefighters) by establishing more comprehensive guidelines for determining disability status, injury details, and related legal procedures. Specifically, the bill empowers the workers' compensation court to make detailed determinations about an injured employee's condition, including the nature and status of disability, the specific location and circumstances of the injury, maximum medical improvement (MMI), legal and medical causation, suitable alternative employment, and the assignment of attorneys' fees and costs. The bill also updates provisions related to dependent status for workers' compensation claims, modifying language about spousal and child dependencies. Additionally, the bill adjusts timelines and procedures for employees (particularly those in public safety roles) to apply for accidental disability retirement benefits, ensuring more clarity about when and how such applications must be submitted. The changes aim to provide greater precision and consistency in handling workers' compensation claims for sworn public safety employees, with all provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Labor and Employment

https://status.rilegislature.gov/