MS HB223

Expands the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund to include emergency management agency personnel, defined as persons performing emergency management functions authorized under state or federal law.

Increases death benefit coverage to emergency management personnel to $65,000 when killed or fatally injured while performing official duties, with the same conditions and beneficiary provisions as law enforcement officers and firefighters.

Expands the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Disability Benefits Trust Fund to include emergency management personnel eligible for monthly disability payments equal to 34% of base salary for line-of-duty injuries, limited to 12 total payments per injury.

Renames both trust funds to include "Emergency Management Agency Personnel" and maintains existing fund management by the Department of Public Safety (death benefits) and Attorney General's office (disability benefits).

Takes effect July 1, 2013.