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 any firefighter or police officer who is unable to perform their duties due to heart disease, stroke, or hypertension has 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 firefighters and police officers hired after July 1, 2025, will not benefit from this presumption if they had pre-existing conditions identified during a physical examination at the time of hire or if they had regularly or habitually used tobacco products in the five years leading up to their diagnosis.

The bill effectively expands the protections previously available only to firefighters to include police officers, ensuring they receive the same benefits in cases of health impairments related to heart disease, stroke, or hypertension. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
828: 45-19-16.1