Rhode Island law requires off-duty police and firefighters to prove emergency existed for injury benefits

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS (Requires that before any fire fighter or police officer is eligible to receive benefits for illness or injury sustained off duty, they prove they had reasonable grounds to believe that an emergency existed that required immediate need of their assistance.)

Last action · June 10, 2026: Signed by GovernorSponsors: Pete Appollonio and 9 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Does

Rhode Island enacts a requirement that off-duty police officers and firefighters must prove they had reasonable grounds to believe an emergency required their immediate assistance before qualifying for injury or illness benefits.

Why it matters

Changes eligibility standards for municipal safety personnel seeking compensation for off-duty incidents by adding a specific evidentiary burden of proof.

Background

S 2326 modifies existing provisions under Rhode Island law relating to towns, cities, and the relief of injured or deceased firefighters and police officers. context

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Fire fighters

Must satisfy a new evidentiary requirement regarding emergency involvement to qualify for off-duty injury or illness benefits.

Directly affected

Police officers

Must satisfy a new evidentiary requirement regarding emergency involvement to qualify for off-duty injury or illness benefits.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does this new requirement apply to?

It applies to municipal fire fighters and police officers seeking benefits for illnesses or injuries sustained while off duty.

What must an off-duty officer prove to qualify for benefits?

They must prove they had reasonable grounds to believe that an emergency existed requiring their immediate assistance.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

11 actions

Jun 10, 2026Enrolled
Signed by Governor
Jun 4, 2026
Transmitted to Governor
Jun 4, 2026Floor
House passed in concurrence
Jun 2, 2026
Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/04/2026)
May 26, 2026Floor
Senate read and passed
May 22, 2026
Placed on Senate Calendar (05/26/2026)

Show 5 earlier actions

May 6, 2026Floor
Committee recommends passage
May 1, 2026
Scheduled for consideration (05/06/2026)
Apr 8, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Apr 3, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/08/2026)
Jan 23, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to Senate Labor and Gaming

Version history

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