Lawmakers in the Mississippi legislature are weighing two different approaches to expanding workers compensation benefits, setting up a policy debate over benefit levels versus duration.
H.B. 80, introduced Wednesday, would significantly raise weekly benefits by increasing compensation for disability and death cases to 100% of the state’s average weekly wage, up from the current 66⅔%. The bill also lifts the cap on total recovery by tying it to 450 weeks at the higher rate and broadens eligibility and payout levels for death benefits to spouses, children and other dependents. The change would take effect July 1.
Also introduced on Wednesday, H.B. 92, leaves the weekly benefit rate unchanged at 66⅔% of wages but extends the maximum period for receiving benefits to 520 weeks, up from 450. The bill similarly adjusts caps on total recovery and death benefits to reflect the longer duration, with the same effective date.