Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; include county road and public works employees.
Impact
Should HB9 be enacted, it will significantly impact state laws concerning the death benefits that are provided to those in public service roles. The bill stipulates that upon the death or serious injury of a covered individual while on duty, a payment of $100,000 will be provided. This ensures that not only traditional first responders are covered, but also those involved in public works, thereby enhancing the support network for these vital workers.
Summary
House Bill 9 aims to amend Section 45-2-1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to include county road and public works employees as covered individuals under the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund. This change recognizes the risks faced by these employees in the same manner as law enforcement officers and firefighters, thereby extending similar protections and benefits to them in the event of death or injury occurring in the line of duty.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding the funding and administration of the benefits introduced by this bill. While supporters advocate for extending these benefits to more workers, skeptics may raise concerns about the financial implications for the state and whether additional funds need to be allocated to sustain the Trust Fund adequately. The bill establishes the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund with an initial appropriation of $200,000, but questions about ongoing funding and how claims will be managed could lead to legislative debates.
Execution_date
The proposed changes outlined in HB9 are set to take effect from July 1, 2025, allowing time for the necessary financial adjustments and regulatory updates to be established.