Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the current legislation stipulated in Section 45-19 of the General Laws. By extending benefits to correctional officers, the bill acknowledges the importance of their role in public safety and aims to ensure they receive adequate financial support during periods of incapacity due to job-related injuries. The amendment aims to bring parity among various public safety positions, encouraging more equitable treatment across different services.
House Bill H7916 proposes amendments to Rhode Island legislation concerning public safety employees, specifically expanding the access to injured-on-duty benefits. The bill adds correctional officers from the department of corrections to the list of public safety employees eligible for full salary payments if injured while performing their duties. This legislative change reflects a growing recognition of the risks faced by correctional officers, who often work in potentially dangerous environments similar to those of firefighters and police officers.
During discussions surrounding HB H7916, several legislative debates emerged regarding the fiscal implications of extending these benefits. Some legislators expressed concerns about the potential costs to the state budget associated with increasing the number of eligible employees for injured-on-duty benefits. Others highlighted the need for comprehensive support and protection for all public safety employees, noting that correctional officers frequently encounter life-threatening situations in their line of work, similar to their counterparts in emergency response teams. The ongoing discussions reflect a balancing act between addressing public safety needs and managing state financial resources.