MS HB438

Increases the immediate lump sum death benefit payment to the surviving spouse from an unspecified amount to $500.00 under Mississippi workers' compensation law.

Increases the maximum amount authorized for reasonable funeral expenses from an unspecified amount to $5,000.00, exclusive of other burial insurance or benefits.

Maintains existing provisions for ongoing death benefit compensation to surviving spouses and children as percentages of the deceased worker's average wages, not to exceed 66⅔% of wages or 450 weeks of payments.

Effective date is July 1, 2010.