MS HB1205

Amends Mississippi Code Section 45-2-1 to define "cause of death" as any death covered under the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act of 1976 or Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act of 2003.

Establishes a Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund in the State Treasury with an initial appropriation of $200,000 and allows additional funding through legislative appropriation or donations.

Authorizes the Department of Public Safety to make $100,000 payments to beneficiaries when a covered law enforcement officer or firefighter dies in the line of duty from a covered cause of death, excluding suicide and intentionally self-inflicted injuries.

Specifies that beneficiary payments follow this priority order: designated beneficiary, surviving children and spouse equally, parents, or the officer's estate if no other beneficiaries exist.

Payments are in addition to workers' compensation or pension benefits and are exempt from creditor claims against the covered individual.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.