MS SB2323

Creates a Death Benefits Trust Fund in the State Treasury to provide $100,000 payments to beneficiaries of directors, assistant directors of local emergency management organizations, coroners, and deputy coroners killed while performing official duties.

Payments go to designated beneficiaries, or if none designated, to surviving spouse and children equally, then parents, then the estate.

Death benefits are in addition to workers' compensation or pension benefits and are protected from creditors' claims.

Department of Public Safety manages the trust fund, adopts implementing regulations, and disburses benefits; State Treasurer invests trust fund monies according to Public Employees' Retirement System investment guidelines.

Trust fund receives appropriations from Legislature and donations; unexpended balances and investment income remain in the fund and do not lapse to the General Fund; effective July 1, 2015.