2015 -- S 0643

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LC000339

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE

FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS

     Introduced By: Senator Stephen R. Archambault

     Date Introduced: March 05, 2015

     Referred To: Senate Labor

     (by request)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 45-19-4.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-19 entitled "Relief of

Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     45-19-4.1. Tuition to children of police officers dying or disabled as a result of

service. -- (a) If an active member of the police force of a city or town is killed, dies, or becomes

totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her

duty as a member, or dies of a heart condition or any condition derived from hypertension while

still a member, there shall be paid out of the general fund of the state of Rhode Island the charges

for the tuition of children of the deceased or totally and permanently disabled police officer

and/or the spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty. The benefits are extended to the

children and/or spouse who are attending or may attend the University of Rhode Island, Rhode

Island College, or any other college or university operated by the state; provided, that the child

has entered the institution while between the ages of sixteen (16) and twenty-one (21); and

provided, further, that the aid granted is available to the child and/or spouse for the period of time

that may equal the normal time for completing the courses regularly offered by the institution, but

in no case more than four (4) years.

      (b) For the purpose of this section, the words "police officer" mean and include any

member of the state police, any correctional officer within the department of corrections, or the

police of any city or town regularly employed at a fixed salary or wage. Furthermore, this

excludes auxiliary and volunteer police officers of city, town, or state police. For the purpose of

this section, the words "totally and permanently disabled" mean any impairment of mind or body

making it impossible for one to follow continuously a gainful occupation no longer possible for

one to perform his or her duties as a police officer.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE

FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS

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     This act would redefine the method by which a police officer will be considered "totally

and permanently disabled" under this section.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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