Bill > HB1472

This bill clarifies the financial responsibilities of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) regarding federal fund expenditures and court-ordered expenses for children in custody. Specifically, the bill mandates that MDCPS can only spend federal funds in ways explicitly authorized by the funding source, whether as a matching contribution or another type of expenditure. The bill further specifies that certain court-ordered expenses will not be automatically paid by MDCPS unless they are authorized by federal funding sources or specific state appropriations. These expenses include medical examinations and treatments, costs of child care and support when a child is committed to another legal guardian, attorney and guardian ad litem compensation, court proceeding expenses like witness travel and child transportation, and therapeutic counseling costs. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will be automatically repealed on June 30, 2025, suggesting it is intended as a temporary measure to clarify funding guidelines for child protection services.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1472.xml