reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-4.2. - Action on bond of constables.

§ 45-16-4.2. Action on bond of constables.
Any person injured by the breach of the bond of any town constable may commence an action for his or her own use, under like circumstances and in the same manner and subject to the same provisions as that person might do in the name of the general treasurer upon a bond given by the sheriff, if the person were injured by the breach of the bond.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 183, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-4.3. - Service of process by constables.

§ 45-16-4.3. Service of process by constables.
The department of business regulation, upon application being made by a town constable to serve civil process, may authorize the constable to serve or execute any process or writs issued by or returnable to any court in accordance with § 9-5-10.1. Upon being so authorized, the town constable shall have the power and authority to serve or execute all writs and process that may issue from any court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 261, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 5; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-4.4. - [Repealed.]

§ 45-16-4.4. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 336, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 311, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 40, effective September 1, 2015; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 40, effective September 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-4.5. - Immunity.

§ 45-16-4.5. Immunity.
No town constable, while serving or executing any process or writ issued by or returnable to the court, is liable in any civil action to respond in damages as a result of his or her acts of commission or omission arising directly out of his or her negligent serving or executing the process or writ except as provided in § 9-5-10.1. In the event a civil action is brought against a town constable as the result of the performance of his or her duties, the town constable is entitled to recover all costs and attorney’s fees incurred by the constable incidental to the civil action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 530, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-5. - Liability for neglect in serving process.

§ 45-16-5. Liability for neglect in serving process.
Every town sergeant or town constable who neglects or refuses to serve any process issuing from lawful authority, directed to him or her to serve and execute, or who is guilty of neglect or misfeasance in executing the duties of his or her office (having in all civil cases, paid or tendered unto him or her, his or her legal fees, if he or she demands legal fees for serving and executing the process), is liable to the party aggrieved for the damages that he or she has sustained by the neglect, refusal, or misfeasance.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 232, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 323, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 374, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 336, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-5; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-6. - Aid and assistance in execution of office.

§ 45-16-6. Aid and assistance in execution of office.
Every town sergeant and town constable, in the due execution of his or her office, may command all necessary aid and assistance in the execution of his or her office; and every person who, when so required, refuses or neglects to give aid and assistance, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 232, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 323, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 374, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 336, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-6; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-7. - Police officers.

§ 45-16-7. Police officers.
The town councils of the several towns may elect any number of police officers for their towns, that they deem expedient, who are not required to give bond, nor be authorized to serve process in civil actions, but in all other matters they have the same power and authority as other officers. These officers shall continue in office during the pleasure of the town council, and no longer; provided, that they shall not remain in office by virtue of the election by the town council for more than ten (10) days after the expiration of the term for which the town council was elected except that the town council of town of East Greenwich shall not elect, but may appoint, any number of police officers that it deems expedient, who are residents of Rhode Island and who shall not remain in office by virtue of the appointment by the town council for more than ten (10) days after the term for which the town council was elected and who are subject to all the other provisions of this section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 34; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 35; P.L. 1914, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 38; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 38; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-7; P.L. 1967, ch. 24, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-8. - Election of special town constables.

§ 45-16-8. Election of special town constables.
Every town council may elect for any amount of time, not exceeding one year, that they may determine, one or more special town constables who shall be commissioned and engaged but shall not be required to give bond.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 32; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 36; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-8; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-9. - Attendance of special town constables at schools or meetings.

§ 45-16-9. Attendance of special town constables at schools or meetings.
A special town constable shall, upon the request of any citizen and upon being tendered the sum of thirty cents ($.30) for each hour of service required, attend any school or meeting lawfully assembled for the purpose of preventing any interruption or disturbance at the school or meeting and may arrest, without warrant, and detain, not exceeding six (6) hours, any person found by the town constable in the act of willfully interrupting or disturbing a school or meeting, and may, in like manner with other police and special constables, command all necessary aid in the execution of the duties of the town constable’s office.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 33; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 37; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-9; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-10. - Employment of special town constables by steamboat companies and railroads.

§ 45-16-10. Employment of special town constables by steamboat companies and railroads.
A special town constable shall also, at the request of any railroad company, or any proper officer or agent of these companies, and upon being paid the sum of thirty cents ($.30) for each hour of service required, attend at any regular steamboat wharf or landing, and any regular railroad passenger station, for the purpose of preventing the assembling, crowding, and remaining at those places of all idle, noisy, and disorderly persons to the obstruction, annoyance, and inconvenience of the common and public travel, going and returning by the way of those stations, and may arrest without warrant and detain not exceeding six (6) hours, any idle and noisy persons found by the town constable in the act of willfully and idly intruding at those places, and there remaining when commanded to depart by the constable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 33; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 37; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-10; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-11. - Disqualification of sergeant or town constable from serving process.

§ 45-16-11. Disqualification of sergeant or town constable from serving process.
Whenever complaints, in writing, are made to the department of business regulation that any town sergeant, or town constable who has been certified in accordance with § 9-5-10.1, has been guilty of malfeasance, misfeasance, nonfeasance, or misconduct in serving or attempting to serve or pretending to serve any writ or process returnable to the court, or has made a false return upon any writ or process, or has charged or exacted, for the service of any writ or process, fees greater than those allowed by law, or has been guilty of any malfeasance or misconduct in his or her office other than that previously mentioned, the town sergeant or town constable shall be subject to the provisions of § 9-5-10.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 323, § 8; P.L. 1916, ch. 1349, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 374, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 336, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-11; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 44; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-12. - Penalty for serving process after disqualification — Exemption from liability for refusal to serve.

§ 45-16-12. Penalty for serving process after disqualification — Exemption from liability for refusal to serve.
(a)
Any town sergeant or town constable who, being disqualified and debarred from serving or executing any writ or process returnable to any court of the state under the provisions of chapter 5 of title 9, shall serve or execute, or pretend or attempt to serve or execute, any writ or process while disqualified and debarred, shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year or fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500).
(b)
Any town sergeant or town constable, while disqualified and debarred, shall not be bound or obliged to serve or execute any writ or process returnable to any court, although the writ or process is directed or given to him or her, and shall be exempt and free from all liability for his or her refusal or neglect to serve or execute any writ or process.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 323, § 9; P.L. 1916, ch. 1349, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 374, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 336, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-12; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-13. - Removal of town constables from office.

§ 45-16-13. Removal of town constables from office.
Any town constable, except a constable elected by the electors of any town or city, may be removed for cause from office at any time by the town council or other body appointing him or her, after notice, in writing, to the town constable of the charges against him or her and an opportunity given him or her for a hearing.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 232, § 7; P.L. 1906, ch. 1308, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 323, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 374, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 336, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 45-16-13; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-16 - Sergeants and Constables › Section 45-16-14. - Unauthorized services of process.

§ 45-16-14. Unauthorized services of process.
Any individual who serves, or attempts to serve, any writ or legal process for any court of this state, other than deputy sheriffs, and those town sergeants and town constables so authorized for this service pursuant to this chapter, or in accordance with the provisions of chapter 5 of title 9, or other individuals authorized by law or by rule of court shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and/or imprisoned for a term of not less than six (6) months, nor more than one year in prison, for each violation; provided, that this section does not apply to any city or town constable nor to any power or authority granted to them by any general or special law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 5; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 39; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-18 - Payments to Fire Companies › Section 45-18-1. - Appropriations authorized.

§ 45-18-1. Appropriations authorized.
Any city or town may annually appropriate, in the manner provided by law for appropriations and expenditures by a city or town, a sum to be expended and paid to any volunteer fire company or companies or other organization or organizations created, for the purpose of and engaged in the work of extinguishing fires and suppressing fire hazards within the limits of the city or town, whether the company or companies or organization or organizations incorporated or not, to be used by the volunteer fire company or companies or organization or organizations for equipment, property, salary, or other expenses in connection with and for the work of extinguishing fires and suppressing fire hazards within the limits of the city or town; provided, that the town of Cumberland may annually appropriate funds to any and all the incorporated fire districts in the town for any purpose authorized by the charter of the district or districts.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 27; P.L. 1929, ch. 1373, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 45-18-1; P.L. 1978, ch. 11, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-18 - Payments to Fire Companies › Section 45-18-2. - Reports by fire company to council.

§ 45-18-2. Reports by fire company to council.
Any volunteer fire company or organization may be required to present to the town or city council, whenever receiving any money or appropriated funds, a detailed statement of its assets and liabilities and an estimate of the probable current or operating expenses for a given period, and any other information about its financial condition that the town or city council may require.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 27; P.L. 1929, ch. 1373, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 45-18-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-18 - Payments to Fire Companies › Section 45-18-3. - Special laws authorizing appropriations.

§ 45-18-3. Special laws authorizing appropriations.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to confer the power of appropriating funds for the purpose previously mentioned upon any city or town where specific authority for a similar purpose has been otherwise given by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 27; P.L. 1929, ch. 1373, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 45-18-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-1.1. - Liability of third person for damages.

§ 45-19-1.1. Liability of third person for damages.
Where the injury or sickness for which compensation is payable under § 45-19-1, was caused under circumstances creating a legal liability in some person other than the employer to pay damages in respect of the injury or sickness, the employee may take proceedings, against that person to recover damages, and the employee is be entitled to receive both damages and compensation; provided, that the employee, in recovering damages either by judgment or settlement from the person liable to pay damages, shall reimburse the city, town, or the state of Rhode Island by whom the compensation was paid to the extent of the compensation paid as of the date of the judgment or settlement, and the receipt of those damages by the employee does not bar future compensation. If the employee has been paid compensation under that chapter, the city, town, or state of Rhode Island, by whom the compensation was paid, is entitled to indemnity from the person liable to pay damages as previously stated, and to the extent of the indemnity, is subrogated to the rights of the employee to recover damages; provided, that when money has been recovered, either by judgment or by settlement, by the employee from the person liable to pay damages as previously stated, by suit or settlement, and the employee is required to reimburse the city, town, or state of Rhode Island by whom the compensation was paid, the employee or the employee’s attorney is entitled to withhold, from the amount to be reimbursed, that proportion of the costs, witness expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenses and attorney fees, which is the amount which the employee is required to reimburse the city, town, or state of Rhode Island by whom compensation was paid, bears to the amount recovered from the third party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-1.2. - Lien of state or municipality.

§ 45-19-1.2. Lien of state or municipality.
Any employer paying compensation under the provisions of § 45-19-1 shall, if the employee recovers damages from a third person on account of the injuries or sickness for which compensation is payable, have a lien upon that part going to the employee, of any recovery or sum had or collected or to be collected by the employee, or by the employee’s heirs or personal representatives in the case of the employee’s death, whether by judgment or by settlement or compromise, up to the amount of compensation paid; provided, that the lien set forth in this section is not applied or considered valid against anyone coming under the workers’ compensation act in this state; and, provided, further, that nothing enacted in this section is so construed as to give the lien created in this section precedence over the lien of an attorney.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-1.3. - Notice of lien.

§ 45-19-1.3. Notice of lien.
No lien is effective, unless a written notice containing the name and address of the employee, the date that the employee became wholly or partially incapacitated, the name and location of the employer, and the name of the person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations, alleged to be liable to the employee for the injuries received or sickness contracted, is filed in the office of the city or town clerk, if the employer is a municipality, or the office of the department of administration, if the employer is the state of Rhode Island prior to the payment of any moneys to the employee, or the employee’s attorneys or legal representatives as compensation for the injuries or sickness. The employer shall mail a copy of the notice to any insurance carrier which has insured the person, firm, or corporation against the liability.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-1.4. - Liability for payments to an employee without honoring employer’s lien.

§ 45-19-1.4. Liability for payments to an employee without honoring employer’s lien.
Any person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations, making any payment to the employee or to the employee’s attorneys or heirs or legal representatives as compensation for the injury sustained, or sickness contracted after the filing and mailing of the notice, without paying to the employer the amount of its lien or so much of the lien as can be satisfied out of the moneys due under any final judgment or compromise or settlement agreement after paying the amount of any prior liens, shall, for a period of one year from the date of payment to the employee or the employee’s heirs, attorneys, or legal representatives, as previously stated, be and remain liable to the employer for the amount which the employer was entitled to receive as previously stated. Any association, corporation, or other institution maintaining the employer may, within the period, enforce its lien by a suit at law against the employer of the person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations, making the payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-1.5. - Examination of records.

§ 45-19-1.5. Examination of records.
Any person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations, legally liable for a lien or against whom a claim is asserted for compensation for injuries, is permitted to examine the records of any employer paying compensation pursuant to the provisions of § 45-19-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-1.6. - Lien docket.

§ 45-19-1.6. Lien docket.
Every city or town clerk, and the director of administration of the state of Rhode Island, shall provide a suitable well-bound book to be called the “lien docket” in which, upon the filing of any lien claim under the provisions of §§ 45-19-1.2 — 45-19-1.5 he or she shall enter the name of the employee, the name of the person, firm, or corporation alleged to be liable for the injuries sustained or sickness contracted, the name of an insurance carrier where the name is known at the time of filing of the notice, and the date that the injury was sustained or the sickness contracted, and the clerk or director of administration shall index the lien docket in the name of the employee and in the name of the insurance carrier where the name of the employee or insurance carrier is known at the time of filing the notice.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-2. - Board of police officer’s relief.

§ 45-19-2. Board of police officer’s relief.
Within the department of labor and training there is a board of police officer’s relief consisting of seven (7) members which administers the fund for the relief of police officers as provided by law. Five (5) members of the board appointed by the director of labor and training; provided, that four (4) of the five (5) members must be actually occupied and working as full-time police officers in the police force of some municipality in this state. These four (4) full-time police are selected, two (2) each, from a list of six (6) candidates submitted by the Rhode Island State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers. The sixth member is appointed by the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association as a representative of the conference on the board. The seventh member is appointed by the Providence Retired Police and Fire Association, and must be a retired Providence police officer; provided, further, that all financial powers and duties concerning the board of police officer’s relief are administered by the general treasurer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 153; P.L. 1953, ch. 3068, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-2; P.L. 1965, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 180, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 339, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 387, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-3. - Appropriations for dependents of police officers killed in line of duty.

§ 45-19-3. Appropriations for dependents of police officers killed in line of duty.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary for the payments of annuities to the dependents of any member of the police force killed or dying as the result of injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty; and the controller, upon the receipt by the controller of proper vouchers approved by the director of labor and training or the director’s authorized agent, is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum or sums that may be required from time to time.
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2326, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 351, § 1; P.L. 1943, ch. 1376, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-3; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-4.1. - Tuition to children of police officers dying or disabled as a result of service.

§ 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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 267, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 277, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 622, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 112, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 140, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-4.2. - Tuition to police officers disabled as a result of service.

§ 45-19-4.2. Tuition to police officers disabled as a result of service.
(a)
If an active member of the police force of a city or town becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty as a member, or if any member of the police force of a city or town becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty, there shall be paid out of the general fund of the state of Rhode Island the charges for the tuition of the totally and permanently disabled police officer. The benefits are extended to members 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 aid granted in this section is available 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 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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 465, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-4.3. - One time death benefit — Death benefits to family of deceased police officers, correctional officers, and firefighters.

§ 45-19-4.3. One time death benefit — Death benefits to family of deceased police officers, correctional officers, and firefighters.
(a)
If an active or retired police officer, capitol police officer, correctional officer, firefighter, crash rescue crew person, fire marshal, or deputy fire marshal of any city, town, fire district, or the state of Rhode Island or deputy sheriff or a correctional officer or member of a volunteer auxiliary fire force or volunteer crash rescue or ambulance corps is killed or dies from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duties, there shall be paid a killed-in-line-of-duty benefit to be administered by the board of police officer’s and firefighter’s relief. The benefit shall be in the sum of forty percent (40%) of the federal death benefits for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. The benefit shall be paid as follows:
(1)
If there is no surviving child of such officer, to the surviving spouse or domestic partner of such officer;
(2)
If there is a surviving child or children and a surviving spouse or domestic partner, one-half (½) to the surviving child or children of such officer in equal shares and one-half (½) to the surviving spouse or domestic partner;
(3)
If there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner, to the child or children of said officer in equal shares;
(4)
If there is no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or surviving child, to the individual designated by such officer as beneficiary under such officer’s most recently executed life insurance policy; provided, that such individual survived such officer; or
(5)
If none of the above, to the parent or parents of such officer in equal shares.
(b)
Domestic partners shall certify by affidavit to the board of police officer’s and firefighter’s relief that the: (1) partners are at least eighteen (18) years of age and mentally competent to contract; (2) partners are not married to anyone; (3) partners are not related by blood to a degree which would prohibit marriage in the state of Rhode Island; (4) partners reside together and have resided together for at least one year; (5) partners are financially interdependent as evidenced by at least two (2) of the following: (i) domestic partnership agreement or relationship contract; (ii) joint mortgage or joint ownership of primary residence; (iii) two (2) of: (A) joint ownership of motor vehicle; (B) joint checking account; (C) joint credit account; (D) joint lease; and/or (iv) the domestic partner has been designated as a beneficiary for the deceased’s will, retirement contract or life insurance.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 193, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 194, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 644, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 645, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-5. - Board of fire fighter’s relief.

§ 45-19-5. Board of fire fighter’s relief.
(a)
Within the department of labor and training there is a board of fire fighter’s relief, consisting of three (3) members, which administer the fund for the relief of fire fighters, as provided in this chapter. One member of the board is appointed by the director of labor and training, one member is appointed by the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO-CLC, and the third member an active member of a Volunteer Fire Department who is appointed by the Rhode Island State Firemen’s League to represent volunteer fire fighters on the board; provided, that all financial powers and duties concerning the board of fire fighter’s relief is administered by the general treasurer.
(b)
A volunteer fire fighter shall be appointed by the Rhode Island State Firemen’s League for a term of three (3) years and shall continue to hold office until a successor has been appointed. A member may be reappointed to succeed himself or herself.
(c)
Members shall be appointed to fill vacancies for unexpired terms due to death, resignation, or cause. A member appointed for less than a full term (to fill a vacancy) may serve three (3) full years in addition to that part of a full term.
(d)
The appointing authority may remove a member for cause.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 152; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-5; P.L. 1980, ch. 374, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 415, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 354, § 46.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-6. - Compensation of fund members.

§ 45-19-6. Compensation of fund members.
Members of the board shall not be compensated for their service on the board.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 351, § 7; P.L. 1943, ch. 1375, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-6; P.L. 1962, ch. 69, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 249, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 369, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 117, art. 21, § 37; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 48; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-7. - Appropriations for relief of fire fighters and dependents.

§ 45-19-7. Appropriations for relief of fire fighters and dependents.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary for the relief of any fire fighter and for the relief of the widow or widower or domestic partner and children of any fire fighter killed in the performance of his or her duty. The controller, upon the receipt of proper vouchers approved by the director of labor and training or the director’s authorized agent, is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum or sums that may be required from time to time.
History of Section.
P.L. 1904, ch. 1161, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 363, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 416, § 19; P.L. 1929, ch. 1374, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 351, § 3; P.L. 1943, ch. 1375, § 1; P.L. 1943, ch. 1376, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-7; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-8. - Administration of fire fighter’s relief.

§ 45-19-8. Administration of fire fighter’s relief.
The fund shall be used for the relief of fire fighters, injured in the performance of their duty at a fire or in going to or returning from the fire, and for the relief of the widows, widowers, or domestic partners and children of fire fighters killed in the performance of their duty, in the manner and to the amount determined by the board of fire fighter’s relief in the department of labor and training, which board shall administer the fund for the relief of fire fighters as provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1904, ch. 1161, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 363, § 25; G.L. 1923, ch. 416, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 351, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 152; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-8; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-9. - Fire fighters protected — Relief to volunteer fire fighters injured in line of duty — Physician’s written report.

§ 45-19-9. Fire fighters protected — Relief to volunteer fire fighters injured in line of duty — Physician’s written report.
Officers and members in active service in all incorporated protective departments cooperating with fire departments, and any person performing the duties of a fire fighter in a town or city having no organized or permanent fire department, are entitled to the benefits of that service; provided, that whenever any member of any volunteer fire company or call fire company, whether the company is incorporated or not, becomes either wholly or partially incapacitated from earning a livelihood by reasons of injuries received in the performance of his or her duties, the bureau may, in its discretion, make a regular monthly payment of relief to the member from the fund of not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for any one month, and may continue the monthly payments so long as the bureau deems the relief fitting and necessary in each particular case; and provided, further, that any member, receiving benefits under this section, shall file with the secretary of the fire fighter’s relief fund of Rhode Island, sixty (60) days after his or her discharge by the member’s attending physician, a written report signed by the physician giving the date, duration, and nature of injuries and other details pertaining to the injuries.
History of Section.
P.L. 1904, ch. 1161, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 363, § 26; P.L. 1912, ch. 855, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 416, § 22; P.L. 1931, ch. 1748, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 351, § 5; P.L. 1943, ch. 1375, § 2; P.L. 1951, ch. 2750, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-9; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-10. - Rate and duration of disability benefits.

§ 45-19-10. Rate and duration of disability benefits.
(a)
All call fire fighters, volunteers, and all others eligible for the benefits of the fund who are injured in the line of fire duty or who suffer illness directly attributed to fire duty, are entitled to benefits as follows: At the rate of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each day during which he or she is unable to attend to his or her ordinary duties by reason of the injuries or illness; provided, the benefits do not continue for longer than ninety (90) days from the date of the injury or illness; and further provided, that the board may extend the benefits if it deems it advisable so to do.
(b)
The board shall furnish the forms to be sent in as proof of the disability or illness and shall make rules that are necessary for the proper functioning of the board.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 351, § 10; P.L. 1948, ch. 2012, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-10; P.L. 1966, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 531, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 27, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-11. - Filing of lists of fire fighters.

§ 45-19-11. Filing of lists of fire fighters.
The secretary of all incorporated protective departments cooperating with fire departments, incorporated volunteer fire companies, and all fire fighters in a town having no organized fire department entitled to the benefits under this chapter, shall file, on the first Monday in July of each year with the secretary of the fire fighter’s relief fund of Rhode Island, an alphabetical list of all its members.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 351, § 9; P.L. 1943, ch. 1375, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-12.1. - Tuition to children of deceased or disabled fire fighters.

§ 45-19-12.1. Tuition to children of deceased or disabled fire fighters.
(a)
If an active member of the fire force of a city or town or crash rescue crew persons of the state of Rhode Island is killed or 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 performance-related heart condition, or dies of performance-related respiratory ailments, or dies of any conditions derived from performance-related hypertension or dies as a victim of homicide while still a member while not in the performance of his or her duty as 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 fire fighters. The benefits shall be extended to the children 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 in this section is available to the child for a period of time that equals the normal time for completing the courses regularly offered by the institution, but in no case more than four (4) years.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, the words “members of fire force” mean and include any member of a fire force or crash rescue crew persons of any city or town regularly employed at a fixed salary or wage; this includes auxiliary and volunteer fire fighters and crash rescue crew persons of any city, town, or state fire fighting department.
(c)
In the instance of a member who dies as a victim of homicide while still a member while not in the performance of his or her duty as a member, each and every benefit of this section shall be available to the children commencing from the date of the homicide.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 267, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 202, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 277, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 519, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-12.3. - Tuition to disabled fire fighters.

§ 45-19-12.3. Tuition to disabled fire fighters.
(a)
If an active member of the fire force of a city or town or crash rescue crew persons of the state of Rhode Island becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty as a member, or if any member of the fire force of a city or town or crash rescue crew persons of the state of Rhode Island becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty, there shall be paid, out of the general fund of the state of Rhode Island, the charges for the tuition of totally and permanently disabled fire fighters. The benefits are extended to members 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 aid granted in this section is available for a period of time that equals the normal time for completing the courses regularly offered by the institution, but in no case more than four (4) years.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, the words “members of fire force” mean and include any member of a fire force or crash rescue crew persons of any city or town regularly employed at a fixed salary or wage; this includes auxiliary and volunteer fire fighters and crash rescue crew persons of any city, town or state fire fighting department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 465, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-13. - Appropriations taking place of funds.

§ 45-19-13. Appropriations taking place of funds.
Wherever in §§ 45-19-3 — 45-19-14 reference is made to the police officer’s relief fund or to the fire fighter’s relief fund, in either instance, the word “fund” is construed to mean the appropriations made by the general assembly in accordance with §§ 45-19-3 and 45-19-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1376, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-13; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 48.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-14. - Appropriations by towns to dependents of deceased police officers and fire fighters.

§ 45-19-14. Appropriations by towns to dependents of deceased police officers and fire fighters.
The several cities and towns are authorized and empowered to make a special appropriation to surviving widows or widowers or domestic partners, or other surviving dependents, of a deceased fire fighter or police officer who has been in the service of a city or town for a period of at least two (2) years and has lost his or her life, or received injuries resulting in permanent disability, or incurred illness resulting in death, while in the line of duty as a fire fighter or police officer. This appropriation may be in addition to any service pension granted to the widows or widowers or domestic partners of any fire fighters or police officers under the provisions of any law or any ordinance of any city or town; provided, that the appropriation does not exceed the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any one person.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 9½; P.L. 1933, ch. 2039, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 351, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-14; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-15. - Extension of provisions to widows or widowers or domestic partners of other deceased police officers and fire fighters.

§ 45-19-15. Extension of provisions to widows or widowers or domestic partners of other deceased police officers and fire fighters.
The legislative body of any city or town may, by ordinance, provide that the provisions of §§ 45-19-4 and 45-19-12 apply in the case of any unremarried widow or widower or domestic partner, of any police officer or fire fighter which police officer or fire fighter died while in service or was retired from the police or fire force of a city or town on pensions prior to his or her death. The annuities shall be paid to the widow or widower or domestic partner by the proper authority of the city or town in which the police officer or fire fighter was employed at the time of his or her retirement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3767, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-19-15; P.L. 1984, ch. 333, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-19 - Relief of Injured and Deceased Fire Fighters and Police Officers › Section 45-19-16. - Presumption of disability in the line of fire fighting duty.

§ 45-19-16. Presumption of disability in the line of fire fighting duty.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law or to any state or municipal retirement system, any city or town may, by ordinance, provide that every condition of impairment of health caused by smoke inhalation of the lungs or respiratory tract, resulting in total disability or death to a uniformed member of a paid fire department, is presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty as a result of the inhalation of noxious fumes or poisonous gases, unless the contrary is shown by competent evidence; provided, that the person benefiting by the presumption passes a physical examination upon entry into service or subsequent to entry an examination failed to reveal any evidence of the condition.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 202, § 1.