First responders; include county and municipal road workers as eligible for death and disability benefits.

SB 2652 would expand eligibility for Mississippi's Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Death and Disability Benefits Trust Fund to include county and municipal road workers who respond to emergencies. The bill specifically adds "county road and public works employees during and after emergencies" to the definition of eligible individuals, covering workers trained to clear debris or manage hazards after disasters like storms or terrorist attacks. This would allow these road workers to receive the same $100,000 death benefit and $25,000 per child (up to $250,000 total) as current law enforcement and firefighters. The bill aimed to align road workers' emergency response roles with existing first responder benefit programs under Mississippi Code Sections 45-2-1 and 45-2-21. (Note: The bill died in committee and was not enacted.)