State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Rhode-island > Title-45 > Chapter-45-19 > 45-19-4-1SECTION 45-19-4.1
§ 45-19-4.1 Tuition to children of policeofficers dying or disabled as a result of service. – (a) If an active member of the police force of a city or town is killed, dies,or becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in theperformance of his or her duty as a member, or dies of a heart condition or anycondition derived from hypertension while still a member, there shall be paidout of the general fund of the state of Rhode Island the charges for thetuition of children of the deceased or totally and permanently disabled policeofficer and/or the spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty. Thebenefits are extended to the children and/or spouse who are attending or mayattend the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, or any othercollege or university operated by the state; provided, that the child hasentered the institution while between the ages of sixteen (16) and twenty-one(21); and provided, further, that the aid granted is available to the childand/or spouse for the period of time that may equal the normal time forcompleting the courses regularly offered by the institution, but in no casemore than four (4) years.
(b) For the purpose of this section, the words "policeofficer" mean and include any member of the state police, any correctionalofficer within the department of corrections, or the police of any city or townregularly employed at a fixed salary or wage. Furthermore, this excludesauxiliary and volunteer police officers of city, town, or state police. For thepurpose of this section, the words "totally and permanently disabled" mean anyimpairment of mind or body making it impossible for one to follow continuouslya gainful occupation.
