(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, any firefighter or police officer, as defined in § 45-19-1, who is unable to perform the duties required thereof because of an impairment of health caused by heart disease, stroke, or hypertension is presumed to have suffered an in-the-line-of duty injury/disability, unless the contrary can be proven by clear and convincing evidence; and the firefighter or police officer shall be entitled to all benefits provided for in chapters 19, 21, 21.2, and 21.3 of this title. (b) This presumption shall not apply to firefighters or police officers hired after July 1, 2025, in the following situations: (1) If a physical examination was conducted at the time the firefighter or police officer was hired and the examination revealed that person was suffering from heart disease or hypertension. (2) If the firefighter or police officer had regularly or habitually used tobacco products during the five (5) years prior to any diagnosis of heart disease or hypertension or suffering a stroke.
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