MS HB1372

Amends Section 45-2-1 of Mississippi Code to expand the definition of "covered individual" under the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund to include county road and public works employees.

Maintains the $100,000 death benefit payment to designated beneficiaries when a covered individual dies from a covered cause of death while performing official duties, excluding suicides and self-inflicted injuries.

Establishes a special trust fund in the State Treasury with an initial appropriation of $200,000, to be managed by the Department of Public Safety and invested according to Public Employees' Retirement System guidelines.

Specifies that unexpended trust fund amounts do not lapse into the General Fund at fiscal year end, except for amounts previously transferred under the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund program.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.