Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee under the provisions of chapters 29 through 38 of title 28 and under ยง 9-31-8 of the general laws.
Impact
If enacted, H7936 is expected to have a notable impact on how disaster response workers are treated under state law. The bill provides that these workers will be entitled to compensatory benefits under the Workers' Compensation Act in the event of injury or death while on duty. This legislative change signifies an acknowledgment of the essential role these workers play during emergencies and aims to enhance their safety and support. It also implies a commitment from the state to better safeguard those who put themselves at risk to aid the community during disasters.
Summary
House Bill 7936 is a legislative proposal aimed at redefining the status of disaster response workers during their duties. The bill states that any disaster response worker, regardless of whether they are paid or volunteer, will be considered a state employee while performing their disaster response activities. This reclassification is significant because it grants these workers certain rights and protections akin to those that regular state employees enjoy, particularly concerning workers' compensation and liability issues. This move is seen as a way to encourage and protect individuals who engage in high-risk roles during emergencies, ensuring they receive the support and benefits appropriate to their contributions.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for enhancing protections for disaster response workers, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and potential impacts on state resources. Critics of similar proposals in the past have raised issues about the financial and administrative burdens that accompany extending state employee status to additional categories of workers. Opponents might argue that the bill could lead to increased liability exposure for the state or complicated administrative processes for handling claims, especially during periods of heightened disaster response activity.