MS HB1313

Increases the death benefit from the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund from $65,000 to $100,000 for law enforcement officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty.

Increases the criminal assessment for the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund from 50 cents to $1.00 on traffic violations, implied consent law violations, game and fish law violations, litter law violations, and certain misdemeanor and felony violations.

Specifies that death benefits are paid to designated beneficiaries, or in the absence of designation, to surviving spouses and children in equal portions, then parents, or finally to the covered individual's estate.

Establishes that the increased death benefit is in addition to any workers' compensation or pension benefits and is exempt from creditors' claims.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.