The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary for the payments of annuities to the dependents of any member of the police force killed or dying as the result of injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty; and the controller, upon the receipt by the controller of proper vouchers approved by the director of labor and training or the director's authorized agent, is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum or sums that may be required from time to time.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-3