The bill amends various sections of the General Laws concerning workers' compensation, introducing a new section, 28-29-2, which clarifies the workers' compensation court's authority to determine the status of an injured-on-duty officer's disability, the description of their injury, whether maximum medical improvement (MMI) has been achieved, and issues of suitable alternative employment. It specifies that employees of the Rhode Island airport corporation, excluding sworn state police, will be subject to workers' compensation provisions for certain benefits and disability determinations starting July 1, 2025.

Additionally, the definition of "wholly dependent" individuals is updated to replace "wife" with "spouse," promoting inclusivity in the context of deceased employees. The bill modifies Section 45-19-1 to ensure that police officers and firefighters incapacitated by job-related injuries receive their full salary and benefits during their recovery. It establishes a presumption that police officers or firefighters diagnosed with job-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have sustained an injury in the line of duty unless proven otherwise.

The bill also mandates new case management procedures for state employees, excluding sworn state police, starting July 1, 2025, and sets deadlines for applying for accidental disability retirement allowances. It outlines the consequences for failing to meet these deadlines, aiming for consistency in disability claims processes. The court is empowered to award attorneys' fees and costs after a hearing when applicable to a prevailing injured employee and may appoint an impartial medical examiner as needed. The act will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
1060: 28-29-2, 28-33-13, 45-19-1
1060  SUB A: 28-29-2, 28-33-13, 45-19-1