Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; include county road and public works.
Impact
The proposed changes to the law would extend death benefits to county road and public works employees, enhancing their protection and support. Specifically, when such an employee dies or suffers an injury resulting in death while performing their official duties, their beneficiaries are entitled to a payment of $100,000. This payment is in addition to any other workers' compensation or pension benefits they may receive, highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting all personnel engaged in public service roles.
Summary
House Bill 1372 proposes an amendment to Section 45-2-1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to expand the definition of 'covered individual' under the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund. With this bill, county road and public works employees will be included in the group of individuals who are eligible for death benefits under this trust fund. This amendment signifies a recognition of the hazardous nature of these employees' work and provides a safety net for their beneficiaries in the event of death while on duty.
Contention
Notable points of contention around HB 1372 may arise regarding the funding and sustainability of the trust fund, which will be initially financed by an appropriation of $200,000 from the state treasury. There could be concerns about whether this amount will sufficiently support the increased number of eligible individuals over time, particularly if there are several claims from beneficiaries. Additionally, the bill requires administrative oversight from the Department of Public Safety to implement and standardize benefit payments, which may invite scrutiny over its efficiency and effectiveness in managing these funds.