Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0660

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Adds probation officers and parole officers to the definition of "police officer" for purposes of salary payments during line of duty illness or injury.

Impact

The proposed adjustments would significantly alter existing laws concerning the benefits afforded to injured on-duty personnel. With this bill, cities, towns, and state entities would increase their financial responsibilities towards these public safety officers, ensuring that they continue to receive full pay and benefits while incapacitated. Moreover, it institutionalizes protections for mental health injuries, including presumption of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a line-of-duty injury, which could result in an uptick in claims for injuries previously given insufficient consideration under state law. Overall, S0660 aims to enhance the welfare and support structures for those who serve in high-risk public service roles.

Summary

Senate Bill S0660 is a legislative proposal that aims to expand the benefits framework for emergency responders in Rhode Island. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend existing provisions related to the salary payments during instances of line-of-duty illnesses or injuries and includes probation and parole officers within the definition of 'police officer.' This change recognizes the contributions of these officers and ensures they receive the same salary protection as their peers when incapacitated due to their work. The intention behind this inclusion is to provide equitable treatment for all law enforcement personnel engaged in protecting public safety.

Contention

Discussion surrounding S0660 may hinge on fiscal implications and the potential burden on state and local budgets given the expanded definition of police personnel eligible for benefits. While proponents are likely to argue that providing adequate compensation for these essential services is necessary for public safety and morale, opponents may raise concerns about the cost and sustainability of such benefits. Additionally, defining 'injury' to include PTSD and similar mental health concerns can be contentious, as it might lead to challenges regarding the verification of claims and the allocation of resources needed to support such benefits.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6179

Requires the Rhode Island housing authority to update the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Tiverton two (2) times per year.

RI H6180

Ensures that minimum egress requirements for conventional subdivisions in Tiverton apply equally to comprehensive permit applications and cannot be waived, modified, or reduced for such applications.

RI H6184

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

RI H5692

Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.

RI H5022

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

RI H6215

Requires the town of Tiverton to require a minimum number of affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

RI H6182

Requires any person who applies to rent or purchase a residence located in Town of Tiverton which qualifies as low and moderate income housing, shall require proof of Rhode Island residency or employment by a local, state or federal entity.

RI H5371

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

Similar Bills

NJ SCR120

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide property tax exemption for primary residence of police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician who suffers line of duty injury.

RI H7796

Relief Of Injured And Deceased Firefighters And Police Officers

RI H5373

Relief Of Injured And Deceased Firefighters And Police Officers

RI S0230

Relief Of Injured And Deceased Firefighters And Police Officers

RI S2059

Extends injured-on-duty (IOD) benefits to police officers and firefighters that suffer from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorders, except under certain conditions.

RI H7464

Extends injured-on-duty (IOD) benefits to police officers and firefighters that suffer from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorders, except under certain conditions.

NJ ACR149

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide property tax exemption of 50 percent of assessed value for primary residence of police officer or firefighter who suffers a line of duty injury that qualifies for accidental disability pension.

RI H5283

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.