Mississippi House Bill HB1406

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

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

Caption

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

Impact

The bill also mandates a significant monetary transfer of $5 million from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund. This financial backing is intended to bolster the resources available for death benefits, thereby enhancing the support available to families of fallen officers and firefighters. With the potential for increased support, the bill aims to ensure that those who serve on the front lines receive the recognition and benefits they deserve during times of tragedy.

Summary

House Bill 1406 amends Section 45-2-1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to expand the definition of 'cause of death' for the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund. This change allows for any cause of death that aligns with protections established under the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020 to qualify for benefits. The intent behind this amendment is to provide greater security and assistance to the families of first responders who suffer fatalities while performing their duties, recognizing the unique risks associated with these professions.

Contention

While the passage of HB 1406 is largely seen as a positive step towards supporting first responders, there may be some contention around the allocation of funding, particularly given the ongoing financial challenges faced by states post-COVID-19. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about the prioritization of funds and whether the transfer could impact other critical services funded by the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund. Additionally, there might be discussions about the implications of broadened definitions for covered causes of death, possibly leading to debates on what constitutes a benefit-worthy incident.