(a) If an active member of the police force of a city or town becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty as a member, or if any member of the police force of a city or town becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty, there shall be paid out of the general fund of the state of Rhode Island the charges for the tuition of the totally and permanently disabled police officer. The benefits are extended to members who are attending or may attend the university of Rhode Island, Rhode Island college, or any other college or university operated by the state; provided, that the aid granted in this section is available for the period of time that may equal the normal time for completing the courses regularly offered by the institution, but in no case more than four (4) years.
(b) For the purpose of this section the words "police officer" mean and include any member of the state police or the police of any city or town regularly employed at a fixed salary or wage. Furthermore, this excludes auxiliary and volunteer police officers of city, town, or state police.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 465, § 1.