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SB 660

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

SB 660 establishes municipal financial relief and benefits for Rhode Island firefighters and police officers injured or killed in the line of duty and their families.

03/07/2025 Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
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Bill Summary · SB 660

Legislative bill overview

SB 660 is a Rhode Island bill designed to provide financial relief and support to injured and deceased firefighters and police officers, as well as their families. The bill establishes mechanisms for municipalities to offer compensation or benefits to these public safety personnel or their dependents following injury or death in the line of duty.

Why is this important

Firefighters and police officers face significant occupational hazards that can result in serious injury or death. This legislation addresses gaps in existing support systems by creating a formal framework for municipal assistance, helping families manage medical expenses, lost income, and other hardships resulting from injuries or fatalities sustained during service.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal responsibility and funding mechanisms: The bill's specific funding sources and cost projections for municipalities are unclear; localities may resist mandates without state financial support
  • Benefit standardization vs. local flexibility: Tension between establishing uniform statewide benefit standards and allowing individual municipalities discretion in determining relief packages
  • Eligibility criteria and scope: Disagreement over which injuries/circumstances qualify, whether off-duty incidents are covered, and how "line of duty" is defined

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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