Rhode Island House Bill H5373

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/23
• Refer: 2/3/23

Caption

Relief Of Injured And Deceased Firefighters And Police Officers

Impact

If enacted, the bill would entail significant revisions to the current statutory framework governing the workers' compensation and pension benefits of emergency responders. Specifically, by allowing PTSI as a compensable condition, it acknowledges the unique risks faced by firefighters and police officers—not only physical but also mental health risks. This change is expected to facilitate better support systems for these individuals, as mental health issues increasingly gain recognition as critical aspects of workplace injuries for first responders.

Summary

House Bill 5373 aims to amend existing laws pertaining to the relief of injured and deceased firefighters and police officers in Rhode Island. The main focus of the bill is to expand the definition of injuries eligible for benefits to include those related to diagnosed post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI). This inclusion is particularly focused on cases where officers and firefighters experience trauma while performing their duties or during emergency assistance, even if they occur while off-duty. The bill proposes that these individuals be entitled to the same benefits as those injured physically in the line of duty, recognizing the psychological impacts of their profession.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 5373 is commendable, it may encounter opposition based on concerns regarding the broadening of definitions of eligible injuries. Some stakeholders might argue that including psychological injuries could lead to increased claims, complicating verification processes and potentially driving up costs for municipalities responsible for funding these benefits. Additionally, there might be apprehension regarding how 'reasonable grounds' for PTSI claims will be determined, especially in cases where diagnoses arise from events that might not be directly connected to immediate duty.