Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; revise provision creating.
Impact
The bill also establishes the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund to manage and disburse these benefits. This fund will begin with an appropriation of $200,000, with the potential for further contributions from the state legislature or private donations. The creation of this trust fund aims to ensure the sustainability of the benefits provided to beneficiaries, which can include children, spouses, or parents of the deceased. Additionally, the act allows for a deficit appropriation request if the trust fund is depleted, further securing the availability of these benefits.
Summary
Senate Bill 2416 amends the Mississippi Code to enhance death benefits for law enforcement officers and firefighters. Under this legislation, designated beneficiaries of these covered individuals will automatically receive a state line-of-duty death benefit of $100,000 should the individual die while performing their official duties. The amendment ensures that this benefit will be concurrently available with any federal line-of-duty death benefits awarded, emphasizing that support for families of fallen service members is a priority for the state.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding the bill concerns the removal of authority from the Department of Public Safety to adopt rules and regulations for administering the trust fund. This shift centralizes control over the fund's management and disbursement processes, raising concerns among some stakeholders about transparency and oversight. Critics may question whether this change could lead to inefficiencies or mismanagement in dispursing the necessary benefits, potentially affecting those who rely on these funds during challenging times.
Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; expand to include health care employees who die of COVID and public safety officers from COVID.
School resource officers; include in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for purposes of LEO and Firefighters Death Benefits Trust Fund benefits.