The bill amends various sections of the General Laws concerning workers' compensation and benefits for employees, particularly focusing on those employed by the Rhode Island airport corporation and other public entities. It introduces a new definition section (28-29-2) that clarifies the authority of the workers' compensation court 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. Starting July 1, 2025, employees of the Rhode Island airport corporation, excluding sworn state police, will be subject to workers' compensation court provisions for certain benefit and disability determinations, including the nature and status of disability, the nature and location of injury relative to the work incident, MMI, legal and/or medical causation, and the assignment of fees and costs.

The bill also revises the definition of "employee" to include those working for the Rhode Island airport corporation and updates language regarding dependency in the event of an employee's death (28-33-13), clearly defining a spouse's dependency status. It amends salary payments for police officers and firefighters injured in the line of duty (45-19-1), ensuring they receive full salary and benefits. The act presumes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a line-of-duty injury unless proven otherwise, enhancing protections for first responders. Additionally, it clarifies the authority of the workers' compensation court regarding disability determinations, case management, and dispute resolution for petitions filed on or after July 1, 2025. New requirements for police officers and firefighters seeking off-duty emergency assistance benefits are introduced, including sworn declarations and deadlines for applying for accidental disability retirement allowances, with consequences for failing to meet these deadlines. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
6319: 28-29-2, 28-33-13, 45-19-1
6319  SUB A: 28-29-2, 28-33-13, 45-19-1