Rhode IslandH63192025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION -- GENERAL PROVISIONS .

Sponsored By: Arthur J. Corvese (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

More spouses qualify for survivor benefits

The law expands who is automatically treated as fully dependent for workers’ compensation death benefits. A surviving spouse qualifies by having lived with or depended on the employee at death. Living apart for justifiable cause or having been deserted also qualifies. These grounds now apply to surviving husbands as well as wives.

State workers’ injury payments end sooner

Beginning July 1, 2025, Rhode Island state workers’ injured-on-duty payments end when the State Retirement Board makes its final disability decision. This applies to ordinary and accidental disability applications, whether approved or denied. The law also bars a court stay that pauses the benefit termination covered by its no-stay rule.

State workers face disability filing deadlines

Covered Rhode Island state workers must apply for accidental disability retirement by the later of two deadlines: 18 months after injury or 60 days after their treating doctor certifies maximum medical improvement. For obviously permanent, static disabling injuries, the deadline is 60 days after the permanency determination or maximum medical improvement, whichever is later. Beginning July 1, 2025, the law retains older transition rules: workers injured before July 1, 2019, with at least 18 months of benefits by that date had 90 days from that date to apply. Those with fewer than 18 months had 18 months after injury, with at least 90 days to apply; applications deemed untimely under the referenced retirement rule also received 90 days from July 1, 2019. Missing the applicable deadline ends injured-on-duty benefits.

Disability pension benefits for state workers

Beginning July 1, 2025, covered Rhode Island state workers awarded an accidental disability pension receive benefits under Section 36-10-15. This provision identifies the law governing those benefits. It does not state their types or amounts.

Court rules govern public workers’ injury disputes

Eligible Rhode Island state and Airport Corporation workers must use Workers’ Compensation Court procedures for listed injured-on-duty benefit decisions. Sworn state police are excluded. Decisions cover disability status, injury details, medical improvement, causation, fees and costs; the general rule also covers suitable alternative employment. The court can appoint an impartial medical examiner and enforce its orders and agreements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Arthur J. Corvese
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Samuel A. Azzinaro
Democratic • House
Deborah A. Fellela
Democratic • House
Raymond A. Hull
Democratic • House
Jon D. Brien
Independent • House
John J. Lombardi
Democratic • House
Thomas E. Noret
Democratic • House
Earl A. Read, III
Democratic • House
Patricia A. Serpa
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 71 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2025

COMPENSATION/GENERAL PROVISIONS PASSAGE