The bill amends Section 45-19-4.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-19, which is titled "Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers." The amendment includes a change in the title to specifically mention death benefits for the families of deceased police officers, correctional officers, and firefighters. The key change in the bill is the increase of the killed-in-line-of-duty benefit from forty percent (40%) to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal death benefits for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. The benefit distribution is outlined in detail, specifying how it should be allocated among surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, designated beneficiaries, or parents of the deceased officer.

Additionally, the bill outlines the criteria for domestic partners to certify their eligibility for the benefit, which includes being of age, mentally competent, not married to anyone else, not related by blood to a degree that would prohibit marriage in Rhode Island, cohabitation for at least one year, and financial interdependence. The act would take effect immediately upon passage. The explanation provided by the Legislative Council clarifies that the purpose of the act is to increase the killed-in-line-of-duty benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal death benefit, ensuring more substantial support for the families of officers who have died in the line of duty.

Statutes affected:
2314: 45-19-4.3