| Chapter 440 |
| 2025 -- H 5372 Enacted 07/03/2025 |
| A N A C T |
| RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS |
Introduced By: Representatives Craven, O'Brien, and Shanley |
| Date Introduced: February 07, 2025 |
| It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: |
| SECTION 1. Section 45-19-16.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-19 entitled "Relief of |
| Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers" is hereby amended to read as follows: |
| 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 or police officer, 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 or police officer 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 or police officers hired after July 1, |
| 2023 2025, in the following situations: |
| (1) If a physical examination was conducted at the time the firefighter or police officer was |
| hired and the examination revealed that person was suffering from heart disease or hypertension. |
| (2) If the firefighter or police officer 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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| LC001305 |
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