MS HB1070

Modifies Section 71-3-71 of Mississippi Code to grant courts and the workers' compensation commission discretion in apportioning amounts recovered from third-party actions, rather than requiring automatic repayment to employers or insurers.

Changes language from mandatory repayment ("shall") to discretionary apportionment ("may") when employers or insurers join third-party lawsuits, allowing flexible distribution between the employer/insurer liability and injured employee or dependents.

Requires employees or dependents to notify the employer or carrier within 15 days of filing suit against a third party.

Applies to third-party actions for injury or death, with settlement approvals required from courts (if action is filed) or the workers' compensation commission (if settled without suit).

Takes effect July 1, 2019.