2023 -- S 0226

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LC001055

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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: Senators Sosnowski, Pearson, Valverde, and Gu

     Date Introduced: February 16, 2023

     Referred To: Senate Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 45-19.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-19.1 entitled "Cancer

Benefits for Fire Fighters" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     45-19.1-2. Definitions.

     The following terms when used in this chapter have the following meanings:

     (a) “Disability” means a condition of physical incapacity to perform any assigned duty or

duties in the fire department.

     (b) “Fire department” means service groups (paid or volunteer) that are organized and

trained for the prevention and control of loss of life and property from any fire or disaster.

     (c) “Fire fighter” means an individual, paid or volunteer, who is assigned to a member of

a fire department or a city, town, or fire district emergency medical services unit and is required to

respond to alarms and performs emergency action.

     (d) “Occupational cancer” means a cancer arising out of his or her employment as a fire

fighter, due to injury from exposures to smoke, fumes, or carcinogenic, poisonous, toxic, or

chemical substances while in the performance of active duty in the fire department.

     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 -- CANCER BENEFITS FOR FIRE FIGHTERS

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     This act would define a fire fighter as a member of a fire department or a city, town, or fire

district emergency services unit for the purposes of cancer benefits for firefighters.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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