The bill amends Section 30-15-15 of the General Laws in Chapter 30-15, titled "Emergency Management," to provide additional protections and benefits to disaster response workers. The amendment declares all disaster response functions as governmental functions, and provides immunity from liability for the state, political subdivisions, agencies, and disaster response workers, except in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or bad faith. It specifies that disaster response workers will not be liable for death, injury, or property damage as a result of their activities, and this does not affect their entitlement to other benefits such as Workers' Compensation or pension laws. The bill also states that professional licensing requirements do not apply to disaster response workers practicing their skills during an emergency.

Furthermore, the bill includes new language that, in the absence of other benefits provided by law, disaster response workers injured or killed while on duty or in training will be considered state employees and compensated accordingly. This includes those practicing professional, mechanical, or other skills during a disaster emergency. The definition of "disaster response worker" is broad, encompassing a wide range of individuals and entities involved in disaster response. The act would take effect immediately upon passage, and it clarifies that disaster response workers are entitled to the same rights as state employees under the relevant Workers' Compensation provisions and legal defense by the Attorney General.

Statutes affected:
7936: 30-15-15