MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Insurance
By: Senator(s) Michel
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-15-409, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DATE BY WHICH THE STATE, MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY OR FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT MUST SHOW PROOF OF INSURANCE COVERAGE THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE MISSISSIPPI FIRST RESPONDERS HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 7, CHAPTER 467, LAWS OF 2019, AS AMENDED BY SECTION 2, CHAPTER 471, LAWS OF 2020, TO REVISE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE MISSISSIPPI FIRST RESPONDERS HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 25-15-409, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
25-15-409. (1) The state,
municipality, county or fire protection district shall, no later than January
1, * * * 2024,
show proof of insurance coverage that meets the requirements of this article to
the Commissioner of Insurance, or shall show satisfactory proof of the ability
to pay such compensation to ensure adequate coverage for all eligible first
responders.
(2) The Commissioner of Insurance shall adopt such rules and regulations as are reasonable and necessary to implement the provisions of this article. Such regulations shall include the process by which a first responder files a claim for cancer and the process by which claimants can appeal a denial of benefits.
(3) The Commissioner of Insurance shall adopt rules to establish firefighter cancer prevention best practices as it relates to personal protective equipment, decontamination, fire suppression, apparatus and fire stations.
SECTION 2. Section 7, Chapter 467, Laws of 2019, as amended by Section 2, Chapter 471, Laws of 2020, which provides for the effective date of the Mississippi First Responders Health and Safety Act, is amended as follows:
Section 7. This act shall take
effect and be in force from and after July 1, * * * 2023.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2021.