Bill > HB319

This bill amends Mississippi's workers' compensation laws to increase the compensation rate for disability and death cases from 66.2/3% to 100% of the average weekly state wage. The changes apply to various types of disability, including permanent total disability, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, and temporary partial disability. In death benefit cases, the bill also expands eligibility to include "next of kin" alongside surviving spouses and makes similar percentage adjustments to compensation calculations. The bill increases the immediate lump-sum payment to a surviving spouse or next of kin to $1,000 and maintains the existing $5,000 cap on funeral expenses. The maximum compensation period remains 450 weeks, but now calculated at 100% of the average weekly wage instead of 66.2/3%. Additionally, the bill provides more flexibility in determining beneficiaries for death benefits, potentially allowing a broader range of family members to receive compensation. These changes aim to provide more comprehensive financial support for workers who are injured or killed on the job, reflecting a significant increase in potential compensation. The amendments will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0319.xml