Rhode Island House Bill H5283

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25

Caption

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.

Impact

The introduction of HB 5283 significantly impacts state laws governing employee benefits in the public safety sector. By formally recognizing correctional officers alongside police and fire personnel in this context, it provides more comprehensive protection for these workers against the financial hardships that can arise from work-related injuries. This change also underscores the acknowledgment of the demanding and often hazardous nature of correctional work, which has been a point of discussion in recent legislative sessions. Such legislative support for correctional officers may enhance recruitment and retention efforts in a sector that often faces staffing challenges.

Summary

House Bill 5283 amends existing legislation to include correctional officers under the category of public safety employees who are entitled to full salary benefits if they become injured or disabled while performing their duties. This move aligns correctional officers with other essential public safety personnel, like police officers and firefighters, reinforcing the importance of their roles in maintaining public safety and welfare. The bill explicitly states that if these employees are incapacitated due to work-related injuries, their employers, including the state of Rhode Island and local municipalities, are responsible for covering their full salary and related medical expenses during their recovery period.

Contention

While HB 5283 appears to have broad support for its intent to protect workers, the specifics of funding and implementation could lead to discussions among lawmakers. Fiscal responsibility toward municipalities and state budgets is often a prominent concern. Some legislators may raise issues regarding the potential increase in costs associated with granting these benefits, particularly in light of budget constraints. Moreover, while many stakeholders agree that public safety workers deserve protections, there could be debates on the extent and specifics of these amendments, particularly concerning insurance provisions and the process for claiming such benefits.