Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2860

Introduced
1/17/22  
Refer
1/17/22  

Caption

Law Enforcement and Firefighters Death Benefits Act of 2022; create.

Impact

The bill establishes clear definitions for covered individuals, specifically law enforcement officers and firefighters. It further specifies criteria under which death benefits, amounting to $100,000, would be paid to the beneficiaries in the event of a covered individual's death while performing official duties. The act also establishes a special fund, known as the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund, to manage and disburse these benefits, funded initially by a state allocation. This aims to provide financial security and recognition to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 2860, titled the 'Law Enforcement and Firefighters Death Benefits Act of 2022', seeks to amend the definition of 'cause of death' as it pertains to law enforcement officers and firefighters under the Mississippi Code. The bill's primary focus is to align state laws with federal laws such as the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act. By doing so, it aims to ensure that the death benefits provided to the survivors of first responders who die in the line of duty are comprehensive and recognize various circumstances that could be defined as causes of death.

Contention

One notable aspect of this bill is the potential debate surrounding the allocation of state funds and the criteria that govern the disbursement of benefits. While support for the bill may be firm among those who advocate for first responders, there may be concerns from fiscal conservatives about the establishment of new funds and the ongoing financial commitment required to sustain this benefit program. Additionally, challenges may arise regarding the management of the trust fund and ensuring that it is adequately funded to meet future obligations without burdening the state budget excessively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1372

Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; include county road and public works.

MS HB9

Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; include county road and public works employees.

MS HB590

School resource officers; include in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for purposes of LEO and Firefighters Death Benefits Trust Fund benefits.

MS HB779

Law Enforcement Death Benefits Trust Fund; include cause of death covered under First Responders Act of 2020.

MS HB1406

Law Enforcement Death Benefits Trust Fund; includes cause of death covered under First Responders Act of 2020.

MS HB1403

Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; include any cause of death under First Responders Act of 2020.

MS SB2416

Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; revise provision creating.

MS SB2812

Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; revise definition of "cause of death."

MS SB2487

The Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; bring forward provision related to.

MS SB2782

Law Enforcement Officers Death Benefits Trust Fund; include presumption of eligibility for officers with COVID-19.

Similar Bills

CA AB1211

Firefighters.

CA AB1908

Inmate firefighters.

CA SB423

Inmate firefighters: postsecondary education: enhanced firefighter training and certification program: local handcrew pilot program.

CO HB1219

First Responder Employer Health Benefit Trusts

PA SB1179

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CA AB247

Incarcerated individual hand crew members: wages.

AL HB26

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CA AB1400

Employment safety: firefighting equipment: mechanics.