Rhode Island House Bill H5157

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/25
• Refer: 1/24/25
• Report Pass: 3/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/1/25
• Engrossed: 4/22/25
• Refer: 5/2/25
• Engrossed: 6/20/25
• Passed: 7/2/25

Caption

Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws regarding emergency management by ensuring that disaster response workers are shielded from liability, provided they are acting in good faith while executing their duties. This means that in cases of injury or death resulting from disaster response activities, these workers, and the state, would face limited legal repercussions unless cases of gross negligence are proven. Such provisions are anticipated to enhance responsiveness to emergencies and encourage more individuals to participate in disaster response efforts by alleviating concerns about personal liability.

Summary

House Bill 5157 aims to provide legal protections and employee status to disaster response workers within the state. The bill's provisions stipulate that individuals engaged in disaster response services, whether paid or volunteer, shall be considered state employees while performing their duties. This designation assures these workers access to the same rights and benefits afforded to state employees, including those related to worker compensation and legal defense by the Attorney General.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 5157 highlight a generally supportive sentiment among lawmakers and advocacy groups focused on emergency management. Supporters emphasize the importance of establishing a clear legal framework for disaster response, arguing that it not only protects workers but also bolsters the overall effectiveness of emergency responses. However, as with many legislative proposals, some concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of protections and whether additional measures are necessary to further secure the rights of these individuals.

Contention

While many endorse the bill for its potential benefits to disaster response structures, there are underlying discussions about the ramifications regarding professional licensing and the training of disaster response workers. Critics suggest that the lack of specific licensing requirements for practitioners could lead to inconsistencies in the quality of responses during emergencies. Furthermore, some stakeholders express that the legal protections offered might disengage from addressing the need for comprehensive training programs that adequately prepare workers for varied disaster scenarios.