| Chapter 361 |
| 2023 -- S 0137 Enacted 06/27/2023 |
| A N A C T |
| RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS -- PRESUMPTION FOR HEART DISEASE AND HYPERTENSION |
Introduced By: Senators F. Lombardi, Ciccone, DiMario, Lawson, Pearson, and Acosta |
| Date Introduced: February 01, 2023 |
| It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: |
| SECTION 1. Chapter 45-19 of the General Laws entitled "Relief of Injured and Deceased |
| Fire Fighters and Police Officers" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: |
| 45-19-16.1. Presumption for heart disease and hypertension. |
| (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, any |
| firefighter, as defined in ยง 45-19-1, who is unable to perform the duties required thereof because |
| of an impairment of health caused by heart disease, stroke, or hypertension is presumed to have |
| suffered an in-the-line-of duty injury/disability, unless the contrary can be proven by clear and |
| convincing evidence; and the firefighter shall be entitled to all benefits provided for in chapters 19, |
| 21, 21.2, and 21.3 of this title. |
| (b) This presumption shall not apply to firefighters hired after July 1, 2023, in the following |
| situations: |
| (1) If a physical examination was conducted at the time the firefighter was hired and the |
| examination revealed that person was suffering from heart disease or hypertension. |
| (2) If the firefighter had regularly or habitually used tobacco products during the five (5) |
| years prior to any diagnosis of heart disease or hypertension or suffering a stroke. |
| SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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| LC000568 |
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