Mississippi House Bill HB1403

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

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

Impact

The proposed amendments are set to expand eligibility for beneficiaries, allowing for a broader classification of causes that include complications arising from exposures associated with public safety duties. In essence, this bill acknowledges modern concerns about the physical and psychological toll on first responders, thereby enhancing financial protections for their families at times of tragedy. By updating these definitions, Mississippi aims to provide more comprehensive support for those who serve and protect the community.

Summary

House Bill 1403 seeks to amend the Mississippi Code by redefining the criteria for death benefits available to law enforcement officers and firefighters. Specifically, the bill incorporates mortality causes aligned with the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020 into the existing framework for the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund. This provides a broader spectrum of coverage under the death benefits offered for individuals engaged in these critical professions.

Contention

Debates surrounding HB 1403 indicate that while supporters laud the bill as a necessary uplift for first responders, critics may raise concerns over the fiscal implications for the state given the potential increase in claims processed under the revised benefits structure. Moreover, ensuring that the law aligns harmoniously with already existing benefits and meets community expectations remains a point of consideration for legislators. Nevertheless, the fundamental goal of the bill is to ensure that first responders and their families are provided not just with statutory protections but also with meaningful recognition and support for their sacrifices.