MS HB436

Amends Section 45-2-1 of Mississippi Code to include emergency management personnel (defined as persons trained to respond to emergency situations) in the Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters and Emergency Management Personnel Death Benefits Trust Fund.

Establishes a $65,000 death benefit payment when emergency management personnel are accidentally or intentionally killed or fatally injured while performing official duties (excluding suicide and intentional self-infliction).

Renames the existing trust fund to the "Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters and Emergency Management Personnel Death Benefits Trust Fund" and maintains the initial appropriation of $200,000.

Specifies that death benefits are paid to designated beneficiaries, or if none designated, to surviving spouse and children equally, then parents, then the estate.

Effective date: July 1, 2010.