Governor Signs Bills Clarifying Court's Authority in First Responder Claims

Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee signed identical companion bills clarifying the authority of the Workers' Compensation Court to issue certain decisions involving police and firefighters. The governor on Monday signed House Bill 6319 and the identical Senate Bill 1060. The bills clarify that the Workers' Compensation Court has the authority to determine the disability of a police officer or firefighter who is injured on duty. The bills also explain that the court is authorized to determine the description of the injury, whether the injured worker has reached maximum medical improvemen...