MS HB1433

Increases death benefit payments from the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund from $65,000 to $100,000 for covered individuals killed or fatally injured while performing official duties.

Expands the definition of covered individuals to include all firefighters (including volunteers) in addition to law enforcement officers, using the term "covered individual" uniformly throughout the statute.

Establishes the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund in the State Treasury with an initial appropriation of $200,000, to be invested and managed by the Department of Public Safety.

Allows the Department of Public Safety to request transfers from the Uninsured Motorist Identification Fund to the Death Benefits Trust Fund if funds become insufficient, subject to the State Fiscal Officer's approval.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.