§ 45-19.1-4 — § 45-19.1-4. Conclusive presumption.

Rhode Island § 45-19.1-4

• Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
• Title 45: Towns and cities
• Ch. 45-19.1: Cancer Benefits for Fire Fighters

Text

§ 45-19.1-4. Conclusive presumption.

(a) Any type of cancer found in a firefighter is conclusively presumed to be an occupational cancer as that term is defined in § 45-19.1-2.

(b) This conclusive presumption shall not apply to firefighters hired after July 22, 2020, in the following situations:

(1) If a physical examination was conducted at the time the firefighter was hired and the examination revealed that person had cancer; or

(2) If the firefighter has completed less than two (2) years of employment with the firefighter's fire department; or

(3) If the firefighter has regularly or habitually used tobacco products during the five (5) years prior to any diagnosis of cancer.

(c) The provisions of this section shall apply retroactively to all cancer-related illnesses, injuries, and disability claims pending on or after July 22, 2020.

(d) The provisions of this section shall apply to all firefighters employed by any municipality notwithstanding contrary provisions of any special statute or public law pertaining to municipal pension benefits, any municipal charter, and/or any municipal ordinance.

Legislative History

P.L. 2020, ch. 62, § 1; P.L. 2020, ch. 69, § 1; P.L. 2025, ch. 442, § 1, effective July 3, 2025; P.L. 2025, ch. 443, § 1, effective July 3, 2025.