Bill > HB1323

This bill amends Mississippi Code Section 45-2-1 to remove a restriction that previously prevented law enforcement officers and firefighters from receiving death benefits from the Law Enforcement Death Benefits Trust Fund if their death was the result of suicide or intentionally self-inflicted bodily injury. The bill clarifies that "cause of death" now aligns with federal acts like the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act of 2022, the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act of 2003, and the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020, which do not exclude suicide. This change aims to ensure that the families of fallen first responders receive the financial support they are entitled to, regardless of the circumstances of their death, by expanding eligibility for the $150,000 death benefit and additional child benefits.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1323.xml