The bill amends Section 45-19-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-19, which pertains to the relief of injured and deceased firefighters and police officers. It introduces new legal language to define "Salary payment during line of duty illness or injury" and expands the definition of "police officer" to include probation officers and parole officers. The bill outlines the obligations of cities, towns, fire districts, and the state of Rhode Island to provide salary payments during line of duty illness or injury for police officers, firefighters, probation officers, and parole officers incapacitated due to injuries or illnesses sustained while performing their duties.

The act also establishes a presumption that police officers and firefighters diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to their job are considered to have sustained an injury in the line of duty, unless proven otherwise. It sets forth requirements for sworn declarations to support claims for benefits and stipulates timelines for applying for accidental disability retirement allowances. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
660: 45-19-1