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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