Bill > HB85

This bill directs the Mississippi Department of Human Services to submit an amendment to the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Plan, expanding eligibility for child care services under the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) to include four specific groups: (1) full-time high school students who are parents or primary caregivers of at least one child, (2) individuals 24 years old or younger enrolled full-time in college, educational, or job training programs who are parents or primary caregivers of at least two children, (3) disabled parents or primary caregivers of at least one child, and (4) grandparents who are the primary caregivers of children whose parents are currently incarcerated. The bill also establishes an appeal process for child care providers or parents/caregivers who have been denied or had revoked their child care certificate, allowing them to appeal to the Attorney General's Office, where the appeal will be heard by an attorney not assigned to the Department of Human Services. Once the federal government approves the plan amendment, the Department of Human Services is required to implement these new provisions in the CCPP. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to provide more flexible child care support for diverse family situations.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0085.xml