Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §18005, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1991, c. 885, Pt. E, §12 and affected by §47, is further amended to read:

2. Workers' compensation or similar law. The amount payable under this article must be reduced by any amount received by the surviving spouse and dependent child or dependent children under former Title 39, the Workers' Compensation Act or Title 39-A, Part 1, the Maine Workers' Compensation Act of 1992, or a similar law. For purposes of this article, a death benefit paid to a law enforcement officer or firefighter under Title 25, chapter 195-A is not considered a benefit paid under a "similar law" and may not be used to reduce the amount payable under this article.

A. Lump-sum settlements of benefits that would reduce the accidental death benefits under this subsection must be prorated on a monthly basis in an equitable manner prescribed by the board.

B. The prorated lump-sum settlement amounts must reduce the accidental death benefits payable monthly under this article.

Sec. 2. 5 MRSA §18605, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1991, c. 885, Pt. E, §16 and affected by §47, is further amended to read:

2. Workers' compensation or similar law. The amount payable under this article must be reduced by any amount received by the surviving spouse and dependent child or dependent children under former Title 39, the Workers' Compensation Act or Title 39-A, Part 1, the Maine Workers' Compensation Act of 1992, or a similar law. For purposes of this article, a death benefit paid to a law enforcement officer or firefighter under Title 25, chapter 195-A is not considered a benefit paid under a "similar law" and may not be used to reduce the amount payable under this article.

A. Lump-sum settlements of benefits that would reduce the accidental death benefits under this subsection must be prorated on a monthly basis in an equitable manner prescribed by the board.

B. The prorated lump-sum settlement amounts must reduce the accidental death benefits payable monthly under this article.

Sec. 3. 25 MRSA c. 195-A is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 195-A

DEATH BENEFITS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND