The bill amends Section 45-19-16.1 of the General Laws concerning the relief of injured and deceased firefighters and police officers. It establishes a presumption that firefighters or police officers who are unable to perform their duties due to heart disease, stroke, or hypertension have suffered an in-the-line-of-duty injury or disability. This presumption can only be overturned by clear and convincing evidence.

Additionally, the bill specifies that this presumption shall not apply to firefighters or police officers hired after July 1, 2025, in the following situations: if a physical examination was conducted at the time of hire that identified a pre-existing condition, or if the firefighter or police officer had regularly or habitually used tobacco products in the five years leading up to their diagnosis.

The bill includes the insertion of police officers into the existing framework that previously only covered firefighters, thereby extending the same protections and benefits to them. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
828: 45-19-16.1