MS HB80

Increases workers' compensation benefits from 66⅔% to 100% of the state's average weekly wage for disability and death cases

Maximum total recovery rises from 300 weeks' worth of compensation (450 weeks × 66⅔%) to 450 weeks' worth (450 weeks × 100%), exclusive of medical payments

Applies the increased rate to all disability categories: permanent total, temporary total, permanent partial, and temporary partial disability

Expands death benefit eligibility to include "next of kin" in addition to surviving spouses for the $1,000 immediate lump-sum payment and ongoing compensation

Effective date of July 1, 2026