MS HB649

Increases the amount employers or their insurance carriers must pay into the Second Injury Trust Fund from $300 per death (or $500 with no dependents) to a flat $1,000 per compensable employee death.

Raises the fund balance threshold that triggers suspension of payments from $350,000 to $750,000, and lowers the threshold for resuming contributions from $150,000 to $400,000.

Requires all death-related contributions to be deposited with the State Treasurer for the Second Injury Trust Fund, with the Workers' Compensation Commission directing distribution of payments.

Clarifies that the assessed amounts shall not be used to support the Workers' Compensation Commission agency operations.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.