MS SB2897

Expands the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund to include emergency management agency personnel who perform emergency management functions authorized under state or federal law.

Establishes a $65,000 death benefit payable by the Department of Public Safety when a covered individual (law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or emergency management personnel) is killed or fatally injured while performing official duties, excluding deaths from suicide or intentional self-injury.

Designates payment of death benefits to the beneficiary named in writing by the covered individual, or if no designation exists, to surviving spouse and children in equal portions, parents, or the individual's estate in that order.

Creates the Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters and Emergency Management Agency Personnel Death Benefits Trust Fund with an initial appropriation of $200,000, funded from state appropriations, donations, or other sources, with funds invested according to Public Employees' Retirement System guidelines.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.