This bill adds a new section to Chapter 45-19 of the General Laws entitled "Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers." The new section, 45-19-16.1, establishes a presumption for heart disease and hypertension for firefighters. It states that if a firefighter is unable to perform their duties due to heart disease, stroke, or hypertension, it is presumed to be an in-the-line-of-duty injury/disability. The firefighter would be entitled to all benefits provided for in chapters 19, 21, 21.2, and 21.3 of the General Laws. However, this presumption does not apply to firefighters hired after July 1, 2023, if a physical examination conducted at the time of hire revealed that the firefighter was suffering from heart disease or hypertension, or if the firefighter had regularly or habitually used tobacco products during the five years prior to any diagnosis of heart disease or hypertension or suffering a stroke. The bill would take effect upon passage.