The bill amends Section 45-19-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-19, which is focused on the relief of injured and deceased firefighters and police officers. It ensures that public safety personnel such as police officers, firefighters, crash rescue crew persons, fire marshals, chief deputy fire marshals, and deputy fire marshals receive full salary, wage, and benefits during incapacitation due to injuries or sickness contracted in the line of duty or while providing emergency assistance off-duty within Rhode Island. The bill requires employers to cover medical and related expenses, with the provision that if insurance coverage is available, the employer is only responsible for the difference between the insurance payout and the actual cost. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "police officer" to include correctional officers at the Department of Corrections and introduces a sworn declaration process for claims.

The bill also sets forth the requirements for state employees to apply for an accidental disability retirement allowance. State employees must apply within 60 days of being certified as having reached maximum medical improvement or within 18 months of the injury, whichever comes first. For those with a static and incapacitating injury, the application must be made within 60 days of certification of the injury's permanence. Failure to apply within these time frames will result in the termination of injured-on-duty payments. Special provisions are made for employees injured prior to July 1, 2019, allowing them a 90-day period from this date to apply for the benefit. The bill includes correctional officers in the category of employees entitled to full salary if injured in the line of duty and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7916: 45-19-1