(a) Death Benefit Plan for State Employees and Retirees. - There is established the Death Benefit Plan for State Employees and Retirees, a group life insurance plan that is an employee welfare benefit plan that is separate and apart from the Retirement System.
(b) Benefit Trust. - The Death Benefit Plan shall be part of the Benefit Trust. All receipts, transfers, appropriations, contributions, investment earnings, and other income belonging to the Death Benefit Plan shall be deposited in the Benefit Trust. All benefits and expenses against the Death Benefit Plan shall be disbursed from the Benefit Trust.