Bill > HB1713

This bill establishes a State Sponsored Life Insurance Program specifically for members of the Mississippi National Guard, which includes commissioned officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel in both the Army and Air National Guard. The Adjutant General of Mississippi will officially sponsor this program, working with the National Guard Association of Mississippi (NGAMS) to make it accessible. Program representatives will be allowed to provide information and conduct briefings about the insurance benefits during training periods and other scheduled events to educate service members and their families. The bill also authorizes the facilitation of premium payments through payroll deductions, coordinated with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), a federal agency that handles military pay. Participation in this program is entirely voluntary, meaning no National Guard member will be required to purchase or maintain coverage. NGAMS will be responsible for selecting the insurance provider and administering the program according to federal and state laws. This initiative aims to ensure all Mississippi National Guard members have the opportunity to learn about and enroll in this life insurance protection as part of the Military Department's support for its service members and their families. Additionally, the bill brings forward an existing law (Section 25-15-201, Mississippi Code of 1972) which authorizes the Military Department to procure group death and dismemberment insurance for National Guard members performing authorized state military duty, providing $25,000 in coverage for death or dismemberment during such duty. This act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Military Affairs and Security

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1713.xml