§ 15-1B-18 — Injury or death while in service of state

A member of the organized militia who, (1) while in active service of the state, shall receive an injury, or incur or contract any disability or disease, by reason of such duty, or (2) while performing any lawfully ordered state duty, shall without fault or neglect on his part be injured or disabled, and shall be incapacitated from pursuing his usual business or occupation, shall, during the period of such incapacity, receive the pay provided by this article and actual necessary expenses for care and medical attendance, including burial and funeral expenses in case of death resulting therefrom. All claims arising under this section shall be inquired into by a board of three officers, at least one being a medical officer, to be appointed, upon the application of the member claiming to be so incapacitated, or his personal representatives, by the commanding officer of the organization or unit to which such member is attached or assigned. Such board shall have the same power to take evidence, administer oaths, issue subpoenas and compel witnesses to attend and testify and produce books and papers, and punish their failure to do so, as is possessed by a general court- martial. The findings of the board shall be subject to the approval of the officer convening it, and also to the approval of the Governor, either of whom may return the proceedings of the board for revision and for the taking of further testimony. The amount found due such member by such board, to the extent that its findings are approved by the reviewing officers thereof, shall be paid by the treasurer of the state out of any moneys in the military fund unexpended. The widow and children of every officer or soldier killed, while in the service of the state or performing lawfully ordered state duty, shall be suitably provided for by the Legislature.

Legislative History

1961 Reg. Sess., HB409