Chapter 406

2003 -- S 0610

Enacted 08/06/03

A N A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE

OFFICERS

Introduced By: Senators Ruggerio, Lanzi, Gallo, Ciccone, and Polisena

Date Introduced: February 13, 2003

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 45-19-17 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-19 entitled "Relief of

Injured and Deceased Firefighters and Police Officers" is hereby amended to read as follows:

45-19-17. Operation of emergency vehicles – Accidents. -- Whenever the operator of

an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in section 31-1-3, or the operator of an authorized

emergency vehicle for a nonprofit volunteer organization who is operating the vehicle in

compliance with chapter 12 of title 31, is involved in an accident while responding to an order

from his or her department to render emergency assistance, or returning from an emergency or en

route to or from official business his or her right to operate a motor vehicle shall not be affected

by reason of any civil negligence attendant upon the operation of the emergency vehicle, in the

scope of their duties nor shall the rate, chargeable to the operator for liability insurance coverage

for the occurrence, be increased or the coverage cancelled because of the negligence.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

=======

LC00758

=======