Amends the definition of infectious diseases to include the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and would include emergency medical technicians eligible for benefits.

## Plain-English Summary

This bill would update Rhode Island's existing law that protects firefighters and police officers who may be exposed to infectious diseases while on the job. Specifically, it would add COVID-19 to the official list of infectious diseases covered under that law, ensuring that workers in these fields receive proper notification if they have been exposed to the coronavirus while performing their duties.

The bill also expands **who is covered** by this protection. Currently, the notification and benefits system applies to firefighters and police officers, but this legislation would add emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to that group. This means EMTs would also be entitled to receive notice if they were potentially exposed to COVID-19 or other covered infectious diseases during their work, and they would become eligible for related benefits under the law.

In practical terms, this affects first responders — particularly EMTs — who regularly come into contact with sick individuals and face a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases. By being included in this law, EMTs would have clearer legal protections and access to benefits if they are exposed to COVID-19 on the job, similar to the protections that firefighters and police officers already have.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study. No final vote has been taken yet.