H5286

	2023 -- H 5286
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	LC000485
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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	A N A C T
	RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- CANCER BENEFITS FOR FIRE FIGHTERS

	Introduced By: Representatives Ackerman, Voas, McEntee, Fogarty, Tanzi, and Marszalkowski
	Date Introduced: February 01, 2023
	Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing
	It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1	SECTION 1. Section 45-19.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-19.1 entitled "Cancer
2	Benefits for Fire Fighters" is hereby amended to read as follows:
3	45-19.1-2. Definitions.
4	The following terms when used in this chapter have the following meanings:
5	(a) “Disability” means a condition of physical incapacity to perform any assigned duty or
6	duties in the fire department.
7	(b) “Fire department” means service groups (paid or volunteer) that are organized and
8	trained for the prevention and control of loss of life and property from any fire or disaster.
9	(c) “Fire fighter” means an individual, paid or volunteer, who is assigned to a member of
10	a fire department or a city, town or fire district emergency medical services unit and is required to
11	respond to alarms and performs emergency action.
12	(d) “Occupational cancer” means a cancer arising out of his or her employment as a fire
13	fighter, due to injury from exposures to smoke, fumes, or carcinogenic, poisonous, toxic, or
14	chemical substances while in the performance of active duty in the fire department.
15	SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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	LC000485
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	EXPLANATION
	BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
	OF
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- CANCER BENEFITS FOR FIRE FIGHTERS
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1	This act would expand the definition of fire fighter to a member of a fire department or a
2	city, town or fire district emergency medical services unit.
3	This act would take effect upon passage.
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	LC000485
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