2025-33 Resolution of the Council, re: In support of H5950 and S849.

Resolution of the Council
Town of Middletown
Resolution no. 2025-33

TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN, RHODE ISLAND

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF H5950 AND S849

WHEREAS, the Town of Middletown invests significant resources in the recruitment, training, and equipping of public safety personnel, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services staff; and

WHEREAS, when such trained personnel are hired by other municipalities within the state shortly after completing their training, the initial investment made by the Town is effectively transferred without compensation; and

WHEREAS, House Bill 5950 and Senate Bill 849, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, seek to establish a reimbursement system requiring municipalities that hire public safety personnel from another municipality within three years of their training to reimburse the original municipality for associated training and equipment costs; and (RI H5950 | BillTrack50)

WHEREAS, the proposed legislation outlines a prorated reimbursement schedule: 100% if the hire occurs within one year of training completion, 75% if between one and two years, and 50% if between two and three years; and

WHEREAS, the reimbursement would cover expenses such as basic and specialized training programs, uniforms, personal protective equipment, training materials, and a prorated portion of the employee's base salary and benefits during the training period; and (RI H5950 | BillTrack50)

WHEREAS, the Town of Middletown supports measures that promote fairness and sustainability in public safety operations, ensuring that municipalities are not unduly burdened by the loss of trained personnel to other jurisdictions without compensation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Middletown hereby expresses its support for the passage of House Bill 5950 and Senate Bill 849 and respectfully urges the Rhode Island General Assembly to adopt this important legislation.

May 5, 2025

READ AND PASSED IN COUNCIL
Wendy J. W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk