Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-121 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 21-121
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-121
Status: in_force

(1) The youth court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the child:

(a) When a child has no parent, guardian or custodian;

(b) When the youth court cannot acquire personal jurisdiction over a parent, a guardian or a custodian;

(c) When the parent is a minor or a person of unsound mind;

(d) When the parent is indifferent to the interest of the child or if the interests of the child and the parent, considered in the context of the cause, appear to conflict;

(e) In every case involving an abused or neglected child which results in a judicial proceeding; or

(f) In any other instance where the youth court finds appointment of a guardian ad litem to be in the best interest of the child.

(2) The guardian ad litem shall be appointed by the court when custody is ordered or at the first judicial hearing regarding the case, whichever occurs first.

(3) In addition to all other duties required by law, a guardian ad litem shall have the duty to protect the interest of a child for whom he has been appointed guardian ad litem. The guardian ad litem shall investigate, make recommendations to the court or enter reports as necessary to hold paramount the child's best interest. The guardian ad litem is not an adversary party and the court shall ensure that guardians ad litem perform their duties properly and in the best interest of their wards. The guardian ad litem shall be a competent person who has no adverse interest to the minor. The court shall ensure that the guardian ad litem is adequately instructed on the proper performance of his duties.

(4) The court, including a county court serving as a youth court, may appoint either a suitable attorney or a suitable layman as guardian ad litem. In cases where the court appoints a layman as guardian ad litem, the court shall also appoint an attorney to represent the child. From and after January 1, 1999, in order to be eligible for an appointment as a guardian ad litem, such attorney or layperson must have received child protection and juvenile justice training provided by or approved by the Mississippi Judicial College within the year immediately preceding such appointment. The Mississippi Judicial College shall determine the amount of child protection and juvenile justice training which shall be satisfactory to fulfill the requirements of this section. The Administrative Office of Courts shall maintain a roll of all attorneys and laymen eligible to be appointed as a guardian ad litem under this section and shall enforce the provisions of this subsection.

(5) Upon appointment of a guardian ad litem, the youth court shall continue any pending proceedings for a reasonable time to allow the guardian ad litem to familiarize himself with the matter, consult with counsel and prepare his participation in the cause. The youth court shall issue an order of assignment that grants the guardian ad litem authority to review all relevant documents concerning the minor child and to interview all parties and witnesses involved in proceedings concerning the minor child for whom the guardian ad litem is appointed.

(6) Upon order of the youth court, the guardian ad litem shall be paid a reasonable fee as determined by the youth court judge or referee out of the county general fund as provided under Section 43-21-123 . To be eligible for such fee, the guardian ad litem shall submit an accounting of the time spent in performance of his duties to the court.

(7)(a) The court, in its sound discretion, may appoint a volunteer trained layperson to assist children subject to the provisions of this section in addition to the appointment of a guardian ad litem. If the court utilizes his or her discretion as prescribed under this subsection, a volunteer Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) shall be appointed from a program that supervises the volunteer and meets all state and national CASA standards to advocate for the best interests of children in abuse and neglect proceedings. To accomplish the assignment of a CASA volunteer, the court shall issue an order of assignment that shall grant the CASA volunteer the authority, equal to that of the guardian ad litem, to review all relevant documents and to interview all parties and witnesses involved in the proceeding in which he or she is appointed. Except as otherwise ordered by the court, the assignment of a CASA volunteer for a child shall include subsequent proceedings through permanent placement of the child.

(b) Before assigning a CASA volunteer as prescribed under this subsection, the youth court judge shall determine if the volunteer has sufficient qualifications, training and ability to serve as a CASA volunteer, including his or her ability to represent and advocate for the best interests of children assigned to him or her. No volunteer shall be assigned until a comprehensive criminal background check has been conducted.

All CASA volunteers shall:

(i) Be sworn in by a judge of the court;

(ii) Swear or affirm to abide by all laws, regulations, and orders of the court;

(iii) Swear or affirm to advocate what he or she perceives to be in the best interests of the child for whom he or she is assigned in all matters pending before the court;

(iv) Provide independent, factual information to the court regarding the children and cases to which they are assigned;

(v) Advocate on behalf of the children involved in the cases to which they are assigned what they perceive to be in the best interests of the children; and

(vi) Monitor proceedings in cases to which they have been assigned and advise and assist the court in its determination of the best interests of the children involved.

(c) Regarding any case to which a CASA volunteer has been assigned, the CASA volunteer:

(i) Shall be notified by the court of all court proceedings and hearings of any kind pertaining to the child;

(ii) Shall be notified by the Department of Child Protection Services of all administrative review hearings;

(iii) Shall be entitled to attend all court proceedings and hearings of any kind pertaining to the child;

(iv) May be called as a witness in the proceedings by any party or by the court and may request of the court the opportunity to appear as a witness; and

(v) Shall be given access to all portions of the court record relating to proceedings pertaining to the child and the child's family.

(d) Upon application to the court and notice to all parties, the court shall grant the CASA volunteer access to other information, including the department records as provided in Section 43-21-261 , relating to the child and the child's family and to other matters involved in the proceeding in which he or she is appointed. All records and information requested or reviewed by the CASA volunteer in the course of his or her assignment shall be deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed by him except pursuant to court order. All records and information shall only be disclosed as directed by court order and shall be disclosed as directed by court order and shall be subject to whatever protective order the court deems appropriate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-51 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Section 33-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-51
Status: in_force

The powers conferred by this article shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Section 29-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-5
Status: in_force

The amount of assistance, including vendor payments for medical care, which any recipient shall receive shall be determined by the welfare department with due regard to resources, income (except such income as may be disregarded as specified in the federal Social Security Act, as amended), and necessary expenditures of the individual and the conditions existing in each case, and in accordance with the rules and regulations made by the state department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-791 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / Section 33-791
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-791
Status: in_force

The proceeds of the bonds issued under Sections 43-33-767 through 43-33-797 shall be used solely for the purposes herein provided, including the costs incident to the issuance and sale of such bonds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-51 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 20-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-51
Status: in_force

The purpose of Sections 43-20-51 through 43-20-65 is to protect and promote the health and safety of children of this state who are cared for in family child care homes which are not required to be licensed by the state, by allowing for a voluntary registration of such homes, establishing of standards for such homes and child care providers and allowing for periodic routine inspection and mandatory inspections when warranted by complaints.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-23 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Section 47-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-23
Status: in_force

The department and the court are authorized to seek the cooperation of all public agencies, departments, societies, organizations or agencies having for their object the protection or aid of vulnerable persons. These agencies, departments, societies and organizations shall provide any such assistance as is necessary.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-503 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 13-503
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-503
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than January 1, 2005, the State Board of Pharmacy and the State Department of Health jointly shall establish a plan for a drug repository program to accept and dispense prescription drugs donated for the purpose of being dispensed to individuals who meet the eligibility standards established in the rules adopted by the board under Section 43-13-509 . The plan shall be submitted to the Chairmen of the Public Health and Welfare Committees of the Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate for their review. Under the drug repository program:

(a) Only drugs in their original sealed and tamper-evident packaging may be accepted and dispensed.

(b) The packaging must be unopened, except that drugs packaged in single unit doses may be accepted and dispensed when the outside packaging is opened if the single unit dose packaging is undisturbed.

(c) The drugs must have been properly stored such that the integrity of the medicine remains intact.

(d) A drug shall not be accepted or dispensed if there is reason to believe that it is adulterated as described in Section 75-29-3 .

(e) Subject to the limitation specified in this subsection, unused drugs dispensed for the purposes of the Medicaid program may be accepted and dispensed.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall be construed as prohibiting a pharmacy from accepting drugs that are not eligible to be dispensed under the drug repository program, for the proper disposal of those drugs.

(3) The drug repository program shall be fully implemented not later than July 1, 2005.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-28-25 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 28 / Section 28-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-28-25
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Department of Health, the Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Division of Medicaid, the Department of Child Protection Services and the State Department of Education shall assist, cooperate and coordinate with the Mississippi ABLE Board in the provision of public information and outreach for the Mississippi ABLE Program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-119 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 33-119
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-119
Status: in_force

County housing authorities and regional housing authorities are specifically empowered and authorized to borrow money, accept grants and exercise their other powers to provide housing on farms or in other areas outside of cities. With respect to such housing, county and regional housing authorities shall not be subject to the limitations provided in clause (c) of Section 43-33-15 of the Housing Authorities Law. Any such housing authority may rent, sell, or make loans to finance the cost of such housing, and make or accept such conveyances, purchase agreements or leases as it deems necessary to assure the achievement of the objectives of this article and the Housing Authorities Law. Such leases, agreements or conveyances may include such covenants as the housing authority deems appropriate regarding the housing and the tracts of land described in any such instrument, which covenants shall be deemed to run with the land where the housing authority deems it necessary and the parties to such instrument so stipulate. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as limiting any other powers of any housing authority.

Until a purchaser makes full payment for a dwelling which is constructed by an authority on a farm, such dwelling shall continue to be the property of the authority regardless of the title to the land on which it is constructed, and such dwelling shall be exempt from taxation in the same manner as other property of the authority. Any document making land available for use by an authority shall be admitted to record, and accordingly constitute notice, in the same manner as a deed or other instrument relating to real estate.

When an authority provides a dwelling on a farm hereunder, the owner of the farm living in the dwelling under a lease or purchase agreement shall be entitled to receive the same homestead exemption as if he had title to the dwelling.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-203 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 9 / Section 27-203
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-203
Status: in_force

(1) There is created under the Mississippi National Guard a program to be known as the “Youth Challenge Program.” The program shall be an interdiction program designed for children determined to be “at risk” by the National Guard.

(2) The Mississippi National Guard shall implement and administer the Youth Challenge Program and shall promulgate rules and regulations concerning the administration of the program. The National Guard shall prepare written guidelines concerning the nomination and selection process of participants in the program, and such guidelines shall include a list of the factors considered in the selection process.

(3) Participation in the Youth Challenge Program shall be on a voluntary basis. No child may be sentenced by any court to participate in the program; however, a youth court judge may refer the program to a child when, under his determination, such program would be sufficient to meet the needs of the child.

(4) The Mississippi National Guard, under the auspices of the Challenge Academy, may award an adult high school diploma to each participant who meets the requirements for a High School Equivalency Diploma equivalent under the policies and guidelines of the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education or other high school equivalency exam and any other minimum academic requirements prescribed by the National Guard and Challenge Academy for graduation from the Youth Challenge Program. Participants in the program who do not meet the minimum academic requirements may be awarded a special certificate of attendance. The Mississippi National Guard and the Challenge Academy shall establish rules and regulations for awarding the adult high school diploma and shall prescribe the form for such diploma and the certificate of attendance.

(5) The Mississippi National Guard may accept any available funds that may be used to defray the expenses of the program, including, but not limited to, federal funding, public or private funds and any funds that may be appropriated by the Legislature for that purpose.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 19 / Section 20-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be cited as the “Mississippi Child Care Licensing Law.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-103 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 21-103
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-103
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be liberally construed to the end that each child coming within the jurisdiction of the youth court shall become a responsible, accountable and productive citizen, and that each such child shall receive such care, guidance and control, preferably in such child's own home as is conducive toward that end and is in the state's and the child's best interest. It is the public policy of this state that the parents of each child shall be primarily responsible for the care, support, education and welfare of such children; however, when it is necessary that a child be removed from the control of such child's parents, the youth court shall secure proper care for such child.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-219 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 16 / Section 27-219
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-219
Status: in_force

The State Treasurer is authorized to certify to the State Fiscal Officer the necessity for warrants, and the State Fiscal Officer is authorized and directed to issue such warrants, in such amounts as may be necessary to pay when due the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, or the accredited value of, all bonds issued under Sections 43-27-207 through 43-27-233 ; and the State Treasurer shall forward the necessary amount to the designated place or places of payment of such bonds in ample time to discharge such bonds, or the interest on the bonds, on their due dates.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 29-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-5
Status: in_force

The amount of assistance, including vendor payments for medical care, which any recipient shall receive shall be determined by the welfare department with due regard to resources, income (except such income as may be disregarded as specified in the federal Social Security Act, as amended), and necessary expenditures of the individual and the conditions existing in each case, and in accordance with the rules and regulations made by the state department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-607 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 21-607
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-607
Status: in_force

(1) In children in need of supervision cases, the disposition order may include any of the following alternatives or combination of the following alternatives, giving precedence in the following sequence:

(a) Release the child without further action;

(b) Place the child in the custody of the parent, a relative or other person subject to any conditions and limitations as the youth court may prescribe;

(c) Place the child under youth court supervision subject to any conditions and limitations the youth court may prescribe;

(d) Order terms of treatment calculated to assist the child and the child's parent, guardian or custodian which are within the ability of the parent, guardian or custodian to perform;

(e) Order terms of supervision which may include participation in a constructive program of service or education or restitution not in excess of actual damages caused by the child to be paid out of his own assets or by performance of services acceptable to the parties and reasonably capable of performance within one (1) year;

(f) Give legal custody of the child to any of the following but in no event to any state training school;

(i) The Department of Human Services for appropriate placement which may include a wilderness training program; or

(ii) Any private or public organization, preferably community-based, able to assume the education, care and maintenance of the child, which has been found suitable by the court. Prior to assigning the custody of any child to any private institution or agency, the youth court through its designee shall first inspect the physical facilities to determine that they provide a reasonable standard of health and safety for the child; or

(g) Order the child to participate in a youth court work program as provided in Section 43-21-627 .

(2) The court may order drug testing as provided in Section 43-21-605(6) .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-17-7 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 17-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-17-7
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department shall:

(a) Supervise the administration of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program under this chapter by the county departments;

(b) Make such rules and regulations and take such action as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the provisions of this chapter. All rules and regulations made by the state department shall be binding on the counties and shall be complied with by the respective county departments;

(c) Prescribe the form of, and print and supply to the county departments such forms as it may deem necessary and advisable;

(d) Cooperate with the federal government in matters of mutual concern pertaining to the TANF program;

(e) Make such reports in such form and containing such information as the federal government may from time to time require, and comply with such provisions as the federal government may from time to time find necessary to assure the correctness and verification of such reports;

(f) Publish an annual report and such interim reports as may be necessary;

(g) Establish rules and regulations restricting the use or disclosure of information, records, papers, files and communications concerning applicants and recipients to purposes directly connected with the administration of the TANF program, in compliance with federal law;

(h) When the state agency has reason to believe that the home in which a relative and child receiving TANF assistance reside is unsuitable for the child because of the neglect, abuse or exploitation of such child, the state department shall bring such condition to the attention of the appropriate court or law enforcement agencies, and provide such data with respect to the situation as the department may have;

(i) As required by federal law, to provide for the development and implementation of a program under which the department will undertake, in the case of a child born out of wedlock who is receiving TANF assistance authorized herein, to establish the paternity of such child and secure support for him; and, in the case of any child receiving TANF assistance from the department who has been deserted or abandoned by his parent, to secure support for such child from such parent (or from any other person legally liable for such support), utilizing any reciprocal arrangements adopted with other states to obtain or enforce court orders for support;

(j) Provide for entering into cooperative arrangements with appropriate courts and law enforcement officials to assist the department in administering the program referred to in paragraph (i), including the entering into of financial arrangements with such courts and officials in order to assure optimum results under such program, and with respect to any other matters of common concern to such courts or officials in the department.

(2) The Department of Human Services shall include the following agencies currently providing services to TANF and food stamp recipients in any planning activities with respect thereto, and those agencies shall cooperate with the department and provide information as necessary in order to ensure the full utilization of all economic assistance programs: the State Department of Mental Health, the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the State Department of Public Safety, the Division of Medicaid, the State Department of Health and the State Department of Education.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Section 61-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-9
Status: in_force

The department may seek and receive voluntary monies from any sources, including federal funds and gifts, which shall be expended for the purposes specified in this chapter. The department also may accept voluntary funding in the form of grants available to build community, public sector and private sector partnerships. The department shall include within the development of the program the assistance of foundations, independent and chain community pharmacists, volunteers, state agencies, community groups, religious groups, area agencies on aging, corporations, hospitals, physicians, and any other entity that can further the intent of the program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-103 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 15-103
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-103
Status: in_force

As used in this article:

(a) “ Agency ” means a residential child-caring agency or a child-placing agency.

(b) “ Child ” or “ children ” mean(s) any unmarried person or persons under the age of eighteen (18) years.

(c) “ Child placing ” means receiving, accepting or providing custody or care for any child under eighteen (18) years of age, temporarily or permanently, for the purpose of:

(i) Finding a person to adopt the child;

(ii) Placing the child temporarily or permanently in a home for adoption; or

(iii) Placing a child in a foster home or residential child-caring agency.

(d) “ Child-placing agency ” means any entity or person which places children in foster boarding homes or foster homes for temporary care or for adoption or any other entity or person or group of persons who are engaged in providing adoption studies or foster care studies or placement services as defined by the rules of the department.

(e) “ Department ” means the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.

(f) “ Family boarding home ” or “ foster home ” means a home (occupied residence) operated by any entity or person which provides residential child care to at least one (1) child but not more than six (6) children who are not related to the primary caregivers.

(g) “ Group care home ” means any place or facility operated by any entity or person which provides residential child care for at least seven (7) children but not more than twelve (12) children who are not related to the primary caregivers.

(h) “ Licensee ” means any person, agency or entity licensed under this article.

(i) “ Maternity home ” means any place or facility operated by any entity or person which receives, treats or cares for more than one (1) child or adult who is pregnant out of wedlock, either before, during or within two (2) weeks after childbirth; provided, that the licensed child-placing agencies and licensed maternity homes may use a family boarding home approved and supervised by the agency or home, as a part of their work, for as many as three (3) children or adults who are pregnant out of wedlock, and provided further, that the provisions of this definition shall not include children or women who receive maternity care in the home of a person to whom they are kin within the sixth degree of kindred computed according to civil law, nor does it apply to any maternity care provided by general or special hospitals licensed according to law and in which maternity treatment and care are part of the medical services performed and the care of children is brief and incidental.

(j) “ Person associated with a licensee ” means an owner, director, member of the governing body, employee, provider of care and volunteer of a human services licensee.

(k) “ Related ” means children, step-children, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, siblings of the whole or half-blood, step-siblings, nieces or nephews of the primary care provider.

(l) “ Residential child care ” means the provision of supervision, and/or protection, and meeting the basic needs of a child for twenty-four (24) hours per day, which may include services to children in a residential setting where care, lodging, maintenance and counseling or therapy for alcohol or controlled substance abuse or for any other emotional disorder or mental illness is provided for children, whether for compensation or not.

(m) “ Residential child-caring agency ” means any place or facility operated by any entity or person, public or private, providing residential child care, regardless of whether operated for profit or whether a fee is charged. Such residential child-caring agencies include, but are not limited to, maternity homes, runaway shelters, group homes that are administered by an agency, and emergency shelters that are not in private residence.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-17 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Section 55-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-17
Status: in_force

Subject to requirements prescribed by the corporation, the commission may delegate nonpolicy making duties to a state agency or to a public or private nonprofit organization.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-31 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 9 / Section 29-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-31
Status: in_force

The total amount of assistance granted under the provisions of this chapter and the expenses incurred thereunder shall not exceed the amounts of funds appropriated therefor by the legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-867 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Section 21-867
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-867
Status: in_force

(1) If the state board employs a full-time staff person to serve as the director of the association, then the state director must be a person who, by a combination of education, professional qualification, training and experience is qualified to perform the duties of this position. The state director must be of good moral character with at least two (2) years of experience working in a position managing a human services program and who has received a:

(a) Master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, guidance and counseling, education, criminal justice or other human services field; or

(b) Baccalaureate degree in social work, sociology, psychology, guidance and counseling, education, criminal justice or other human service field with, in addition to the work experience required in this subsection, at least two (2) additional years of experience working in the human services field.

(2) The duties of the state director are as follows:

(a) To manage the state court-appointed special advocate office, including staff;

(b) To coordinate the activities of the association;

(c) To monitor the policies and practices of local CASA programs for compliance with state laws, National CASA Association Standards for Programs, and reporting requirements established by the state association; to assist local CASA programs in efforts to achieve compliance; and to report to the state association the status of compliance by local CASA programs;

(d) Upon request of local CASA programs, to provide technical assistance to local CASA programs;

(e) To provide technical assistance and support to judges of the youth courts, chancery court judges and others in the development of new local CASA programs;

(f) To coordinate a statewide public awareness campaign for generating interest in developing new CASA programs, recruiting volunteers and informing the public of the issues concerning child abuse and neglect; and

(g) Other duties as directed by the association.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-209 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 6-209
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-209
Status: in_force

The Disability Resource Commission as described in Section 43-30-1 is directed to provide the monitoring and oversight of the implementation of this article by state agencies.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-63 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 20-63
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-63
Status: in_force

The department may suspend any certificate of registration issued under the provision of Sections 43-20-51 through 43-20-65 upon any of the following grounds and in the manner provided in Sections 43-20-51 through 43-20-65 :

(a) Violation by the registrant of any provision of Sections 43-20-51 through 43-20-65 or of the rules and regulations promulgated under Sections 43-20-51 through 43-20-65 ;

(b) Aiding, abetting or permitting the violation of any provision of Sections 43-20-51 through 43-20-65 or of the rules and regulations promulgated under Sections 43-20-51 through 43-20-65 ;

(c) Conduct in the operation or maintenance, or both the operation and maintenance of a family child care home which is inimical to health, morals, welfare or safety of either an individual in or receiving services from the home or the people of this state; and

(d) The conviction of a registrant at any time during registration of any crime under state or federal law.

The department may suspend any certificate of registration issued under the provisions of Sections 43-20-51 through 43-20-65 prior to any hearing when, in the opinion of the department, the action is necessary to protect any child in the family child care home from physical or mental abuse, abandonment or any other substantial threat to health or safety.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-15 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-15
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors shall annually assess and cause to be collected by the tax collector, and paid into the general fund of the county treasury, such tax as may be necessary for the support of the poor of the county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-44 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 19 / Section 19-44
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-44
Status: in_force

For purposes of this section, an “ authorized person ” shall mean:

(a) Any agent or attorney of any state having in effect a plan approved under federal law, who has the duty or authority under such plan to seek to recover any amounts owed as child and spousal support (including, when authorized under the state plan, any official of a political subdivision);

(b) The court which has authority to issue an order or to serve as the initiating court in an action to seek an order against a noncustodial parent of the support and maintenance of a child, or any agent of such court;

(c) The resident parent, legal guardian, attorney or agent of a child (other than a child receiving federal assistance as determined by federal regulation) without regard to the existence of a court order against a noncustodial parent who has a duty to support and maintain any such child;

(d) A state agency that is administering a program operated under a state plan approved under federal law;

(e) Any agent or attorney of any state having an agreement under this section, who has the duty or authority under the law of such state to enforce a child custody or visitation determination;

(f) Any court having jurisdiction to make or enforce such a child custody or visitation determination, or any agent of such court; and

(g) Any agent or attorney of the United States, or of a state having an agreement under this section, who has the duty or authority to investigate, enforce or bring a prosecution with respect to the unlawful taking or restraint of a child.

The department shall safeguard personal data if the department is provided with reasonable evidence of a risk of harm. A state agency, court, department of another state, obligor, obligee and such other persons or entities as the department may specify may provide the department with reasonable evidence of a risk of harm in such manner as the department may require. The department shall not be required to safeguard personal data in intrastate cases for longer than one (1) year unless the department is provided with reasonable evidence of a continued risk of harm in such manner as the department may require. The department shall notify individuals whose personal data is safeguarded under this section that in order for the safeguards to remain in effect, such individuals must provide the department annually with reasonable evidence of a continued risk of harm. For the purposes of this section “ reasonable evidence of a risk of harm ” shall mean reasonable evidence that the release of information may result in physical harm to the parent or child, that the release of information may result in emotional harm to the parent or child which would significantly reduce the parent's capacity to care for the child, or would significantly reduce the parent or child's ability to function adequately, or that a protective order or restraining order has been issued on behalf of the parent or child.

If the department is provided with reasonable evidence of a risk of harm, the department, its employees and its contractors shall not disclose any personal data that could otherwise be disclosed about the location of a parent or child, including residential address, telephone number and name, address and telephone number of employer, and shall not disclose the Social Security number of a parent or child; provided, however, that such personal data may be shared by and between employees of the department and its contractors; provided further, that the department may disclose such personal data to the Federal Parent Locator Service, to the court, or agent of a court that is authorized to receive information from the Federal Parent Locator Service established pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.

Provided further, that the department may disclose the Social Security number of a child receiving IV-D services for the purposes directly connected to obtaining health care coverage for such child to an employer or provider of health care coverage.

If the department is provided with reasonable evidence of a risk of harm pursuant to this section, the department shall notify the Federal Parent Locator Service established pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act that a risk of harm exists. Upon order of the court in an intrastate matter the department shall release personal data, which may include location information and Social Security numbers, to such court or agent, as required by said Title IV-D of the Social Security Act; provided, however, that if the department has been provided with reasonable evidence of a risk of harm, the department shall notify the court or agent that the department has received such information; before making any disclosure of such personal data, the court is required to determine whether such disclosure to any other person could be harmful to the parent or child. A person or agency seeking disclosure of personal data which the department is prohibited from disclosing because of a risk of harm, but which could otherwise be disclosed, may file a petition with the chancery court to request disclosure of such personal data.

Upon an order by the court in interstate cases to override nondisclosure procedures in cases dealing with domestic violence, the court shall order the department to release this information within thirty (30) days of the order. Whereupon, the department shall transmit said court order to the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS), whereby OCSE will notify the department of its decision to remove the nondisclosure code. Upon notification from OCSE, the department shall release said information unto the court.

Any unauthorized disclosure or unauthorized willful inspection made in a good faith effort to comply with this section shall not be considered a violation of this section.

A person or agency, including the department, seeking personal data which the department is prohibited from disclosing because of a risk of harm, but which could otherwise be disclosed or which the Federal Parent Locator Service established pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act is prohibited from disclosing because the Secretary of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services has been notified that there is a reasonable evidence of domestic violence or child abuse, may file a petition with the court where the person resides to request disclosure of such personal data. The petition shall specify the purpose for which such personal data is required. When a petition is filed, or when the court receives notice from the department that the department has been notified of a risk of harm, the court shall determine whether disclosure of personal data could be harmful to the parent or child before releasing such data to any other person or agency. In making such determination, the court shall notify the parent that the court has received a request to release personal data and shall provide a specific date by which the parent must object to release of the information and provide the basis for objection. The parent may provide such information in writing and shall not be required to appear in person to contest the release of information. The court shall also notify the department of any petition filed pursuant to this section and the department shall release to the court any information which it has been provided regarding the risk of harm; however, the department shall not be made a party to the action. Further, the attorney for the Department of Human Services, in any proceeding herein, shall not be deemed to be appearing in a representative capacity for any party. The court may also request information directly from the Federal Parent Locator Service from the department of another state, and from any other source.

In determining whether disclosure of personal data could be harmful to the parent or child, the court shall consider any relevant information provided by the parent or child, any information provided by the department or by the department of another state, and any evidence provided by the person seeking the personal data. Documentary evidence transmitted to the court by facsimile, telecopier or other means that do not provide an original writing may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission. The court may permit a party or witness to be deposed or to testify by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means.

The court may enter an order (1) impounding the personal data and prohibiting any disclosure by the court or its agents, (2) permitting disclosure by the court or its agents to a specific person or persons, or (3) removing any restrictions on disclosure by the court and its agents. An order permitting disclosure of personal data may specify the purposes for which the data may be used and may prohibit a person to whom the data is disclosed from making further disclosures to any other person. The court shall notify the department of any order entered pursuant to this section. Any person or agency who violates an order issued pursuant to this section may be held in contempt of court and subject to the penalties provided herein.

The court may disclose location information about a parent for the limited purpose of notifying the parent of a proceeding under this section or of any other proceeding in court, provided that such information shall not be disclosed to another party unless the court issues an order pursuant to this section permitting such disclosure.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-31 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 47-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-31
Status: in_force

(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize, permit or require any emergency or protective services in contravention of the stated or implied objection of such person based upon his right of privacy, which is grounded in the federal courts and the courts of this state, except in a situation where the vulnerable person is in imminent danger of serious harm.

(2) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to mean a person is neglected or in need of emergency or protective services for the sole reason he is being furnished or relies upon treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denominations.

(3) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize, permit or require any medical care or treatment in contravention of the stated or implied objection of such person.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-171 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-171
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-171
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislature recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes towards people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used diminish the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members. The Legislature finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws and rules by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability.

(2) The legislative drafting offices of the House and Senate are directed to avoid all references to the terms “disabled,” “developmentally disabled,” “mentally disabled,” “mentally ill,” “mentally retarded,” “handicapped,” “cripple” and “crippled,” in any new statute, memorial or resolution, and to change those references in any existing statute, memorial or resolution as sections including those references are otherwise amended by law. The drafting offices are directed to replace the terms referenced above as appropriate with the following revised terminology: “persons with disabilities,” “persons with developmental disabilities,” “persons with mental illness” and “persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities.”

(3) No statute, memorial or resolution is invalid because it does not comply with this section.

(4) All state agency orders creating new rules, or amending existing rules, shall be formulated in accordance with the requirements of subsection (1) of this section regarding the use of respectful language.

(5) No agency rule is invalid because it does not comply with this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-53 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 19 / Section 19-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-53
Status: in_force

Not later than sixty (60) days after the first day of January of each year, the state department of public welfare shall cause to be published for the preceding calendar year a detailed report showing the total number of cases in the aid to dependent children program reported on the basis of fraud or suspected fraud, the total number investigated, prosecuted and disposed of civilly and/or criminally in each county of the state and the total number of support and paternity cases reported, investigated, continued, prosecuted civilly, and the total amount of support collected.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-113 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 21-113
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-113
Status: in_force

When a judge shall certify in writing that he is unable to serve because of illness or absence from the county or district, the judge may appoint as provided in Section 43-21-123 a special judge to serve in his stead. A special judge shall possess all the powers and perform all the duties of the regular judge. The compensation for the special judge shall be fixed on order of the judge as provided in Section 43-21-123 on the basis of a statement as to the time and expense incurred by the special judge and shall be paid by the county out of any available funds. In the case of recusal, a judge shall be selected as provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-16 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 16 / Section 33-16
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-16
Status: in_force

(1) Any person who obtains or attempts to obtain, or who establishes or attempts to establish, eligibility for, and any person who knowingly or intentionally aids or abets such person in obtaining or attempting to obtain, or in establishing or attempting to establish eligibility for, any public housing, or a reduction in public housing rental charges, or any rent subsidy, to which such person would not otherwise be entitled, by means of a false statement, failure to disclose information, impersonation, or other fraudulent scheme or device shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as for a misdemeanor. As used in this section “public housing” shall mean housing which is constructed, operated or maintained by the state, a county, a municipal corporation, a housing authority, or by any other political subdivision or public corporation of the state or its subdivisions.

(2) Notice of this section shall be printed on the application forms for public housing in the state, and it shall be displayed in the office where such application is made.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-115 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 21-115
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-115
Status: in_force

In every youth court division the judge shall appoint as provided in Section 43-21-123 one or more persons to function as the intake unit for the youth court division. The youth court intake unit shall perform all duties specified by this chapter. If the person serving as the youth court intake unit is not already a salaried public employee, the salary for such person shall be fixed on order of the judge as provided in Section 43-21-123 and shall be paid by the county or municipality, as the case may be, out of any available funds budgeted for the youth court by the board of supervisors.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-739 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 26 / Section 33-739
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-739
Status: in_force

The corporation may create and establish one or more reserve funds to be known as “debt service reserve funds” and the corporation may create and establish such other reserve funds as it shall deem advisable and necessary.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 13-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-9
Status: in_force

The state board of public welfare shall appoint a medical advisory committee consisting of not less than nine (9) nor more than twenty (20) physicians from among nominees made by the Mississippi State Medical Association whose respective tenures of service shall be not less than two (2) nor more than four (4) years. Members of this committee shall serve without compensation, but expenses to defray actual expenses incurred in the performance of travel, lodging, and subsistence may be authorized, shall meet not less than twice annually, and shall be furnished written notice of meetings called at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting. The state board of public welfare may also appoint one (1) person from each of the other medical or remedial care professions to serve as members of the medical advisory committee if, in the opinion of the board, their service on said committee would be helpful to the state department of public welfare in administering the provisions of this article. The committee, among its duties and responsibilities prescribed and agreed to, shall:

(1) Advise the administering agency and personnel thereof with respect to determining the quantity and extent of medical care provided under this article;

(2) Communicate the views of the medical care professions in these respects to the administering agency;

(3) Communicate the views of the administering agency in these respects to the medical care professions; and

(4) Encourage physicians and other medical care personnel to participate in medical care programs herein authorized and prescribed, although such participation shall not be mandatory upon any such personnel.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-125 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 15-125
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-125
Status: in_force

The department and/or its officers, employees, attorneys and representatives shall not be held civilly liable for any findings, recommendations or actions taken pursuant to this article.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 47-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Vulnerable Persons Act of 1986.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-17-15 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 15 / Section 17-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-17-15
Status: in_force

Upon the completion of such investigation the county department shall decide whether the child is eligible for TANF assistance under the provisions of this chapter, and determine in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state department the amount of such assistance and the date on which such assistance shall begin. The county department shall notify the applicant of its decision.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-505 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 27 / Section 35-505
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-505
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other laws.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 47-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-9
Status: in_force

(1) Upon receipt of a report pursuant to Section 43-47-7 that a vulnerable person is in need of protective services, the department shall initiate an investigation and/or evaluation within forty-eight (48) hours if immediate attention is needed, or within seventy-two (72) hours if the vulnerable person is not in immediate danger, to determine whether the vulnerable person is in need of protective services and what services are needed. The evaluation shall include any necessary visits and interviews with the person, and if appropriate, with the alleged perpetrator of the vulnerable person abuse and with any person believed to have knowledge of the circumstances of the case. When a caretaker of a vulnerable person refuses to allow the department reasonable access to conduct an investigation to determine if the vulnerable person is in need of protective services, the department may petition the court for an order for injunctive relief enjoining the caretaker from interfering with the investigation.

(2) The staff and physicians of local health departments, mental health clinics and other public or private agencies, including law enforcement agencies, shall cooperate fully with the department in the performance of its duties. These duties include immediate, in-residence evaluations and medical examinations and treatment where the department deems it necessary. However, upon receipt of a report of abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable person confined in a licensed hospital or licensed nursing home facility in the state, the department shall immediately refer this report to the proper authority at the State Department of Health for investigation under Section 43-47-37 .

Upon a showing of probable cause that a vulnerable person has been abused, a court may authorize a qualified third party to make an evaluation to enter the residence of, and to examine the vulnerable person. Upon a showing of probable cause that a vulnerable person has been financially exploited, a court may authorize a qualified third party, also authorized by the department, to make an evaluation, and to gain access to the financial records of the vulnerable person.

(3) The department may contract with an agency or private physician for the purpose of providing immediate, accessible evaluations in the location that the department deems most appropriate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-37-2 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 28 / Section 37-2
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-37-2
Status: in_force

The words and terms defined in Section 43-39-5, Mississippi Code of 1972 , shall, unless the context otherwise clearly requires, also have the same meanings whenever such words and terms appear in this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-57 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 16 / Section 19-57
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-57
Status: in_force

(1) Any administrative subpoena issued by the Department of Human Services pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 588, Laws of 1997, shall be directed to the appropriate party or entity and signed by the Director of the Department of Human Services or his designee.

(2) A person wishing to appeal the issuance of an administrative subpoena shall have recourse to the chancery courts as for any subpoena.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-19 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 47-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-19
Status: in_force

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to abuse, neglect or exploit any vulnerable person.

(2)(a) Any person who willfully commits an act or willfully omits the performance of any duty, which act or omission contributes to, tends to contribute to, or results in neglect, physical pain, injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement or deprivation of services which are necessary to maintain the mental or physical health of a vulnerable person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment not to exceed one (1) year in the county jail, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Any accepted medical procedure performed in the usual scope of practice shall not be a violation of this subsection.

(b) Any person who willfully exploits a vulnerable person, where the value of the exploitation is less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or by imprisonment not to exceed one (1) year in the county jail, or by both such fine and imprisonment; where the value of the exploitation is Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) or more, the person who exploits a vulnerable person shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not more than ten (10) years.

(3) Any person who willfully inflicts physical pain or injury upon a vulnerable person shall be guilty of felonious abuse or battery, or both, of a vulnerable person and, upon conviction thereof, may be punished by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not more than twenty (20) years.

(4) Any person who willfully inflicts severe mental anguish upon a vulnerable person shall be guilty of a felony and shall be sentenced to not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years in the custody of the Department of Corrections and shall be fined not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).

(5) For any third or subsequent misdemeanor conviction of any person violating any part of this section, the offenses being committed within a period of five (5) years, such person shall be guilty of a felony and shall be sentenced to not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years in the custody of the Department of Corrections and shall be fined not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).

(6) Nothing contained in this section shall prevent proceedings against a person under any statute of this state or municipal ordinance defining any act as a crime or misdemeanor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-28-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Section 28-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-28-9
Status: in_force

In addition to those powers granted to the board by any other provisions of this chapter, the Mississippi ABLE Board shall have the powers necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter, the purposes and objectives of ABLE accounts, and the powers delegated by any other law or executive order of this state, including, but not limited to, the following express powers:

(a) To adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to implement this chapter, subject to applicable federal laws and regulations, including rules regarding transfers of funds between ABLE accounts established under the provisions of this chapter and independent personal bank accounts;

(b) To impose reasonable requirements for beneficiaries or account owners at the time of enrollment in the Mississippi ABLE Program;

(c) To consult with the Executive Director of the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the State Treasurer for the department's employment of a Mississippi ABLE Coordinator, who shall:

(i) Coordinate meetings of the board and keep minutes of its actions;

(ii) Remain informed of developments in federal rules and regulations affecting ABLE accounts and ensure that the Mississippi ABLE Program remains in compliance;

(iii) Be authorized to enter into contracts, on behalf of the Mississippi ABLE Board, with records administrators, program managers, consultants and other qualified persons and entities for administrative and technical assistance in carrying out the responsibilities of the Mississippi ABLE Program; and

(iv) Perform such other duties as the board may prescribe;

(d) To contract for necessary goods and services, to employ necessary personnel, and to engage the services of consultants and other qualified persons and entities for administrative and technical assistance in carrying out the responsibilities of the ABLE account funds under terms and conditions that the board deems reasonable, including contract terms for such consideration, and for such purposes as the board deems advisable;

(e) To solicit and accept gifts, including bequests or other testamentary gifts made by will, trust or other disposition grants, loans and other aids from any personal source or to participate in any other way in any federal, state or local governmental programs in carrying out the purposes of this chapter;

(f) To define the terms and conditions under which payments may be withdrawn for qualifying expenses established under this chapter and to impose reasonable transaction fees;

(g) To serve as an information clearinghouse for the gathering, compilation and dissemination of educational and programmatic materials relating to the design, operation and benefits provided through ABLE accounts and access to entry into the program;

(h) To regulate the receipt of contributions or payments to the ABLE Trust Fund;

(i) To segregate contributions and payments to the ABLE Trust Fund into various accounts and funds;

(j) To require and collect administrative fees and charges in connection with any transaction and to impose reasonable penalties for withdrawal of funds for nonqualified expenses or for entering into a ABLE account agreement on a fraudulent basis;

(k) To procure insurance against any loss in connection with the property, assets and activities of the ABLE Trust Fund or the board;

(l) To require that account owners of ABLE account agreements verify, under sworn attestation, any requests for contract conversions, substitutions, transfers, cancellations, refund requests or contract changes of any nature;

(m) To solicit proposals and to contract for the marketing of the Mississippi ABLE Program, provided that: (i) any materials produced by a marketing contractor for the purpose of marketing the program must be approved by the board before being made available to the public; and (ii) neither the state nor the board shall be liable for misrepresentation of the program by a marketing contractor;

(n) To delegate responsibility for administration of the comprehensive investment plan to a contractor or contractors or a consultant or consultants that the board determines is qualified;

(o) To make all necessary and appropriate arrangements with vendors, health care service providers, rehabilitation specialists or other entities in order to fulfill its obligations under ABLE account agreements;

(p) To establish other policies, procedures and criteria necessary to implement and administer this chapter;

(q) To authorize the Department of Rehabilitation Services with the advice of the State Treasurer, to carry out any or all of the powers and duties enumerated in this section for efficient and effective administration of the Mississippi ABLE Program and ABLE Trust Fund;

(r) To develop a user-friendly website or access link on the Department of Rehabilitation Services' website to serve as a virtual program and access portal to information about the ABLE Program and how an individual might be able to enroll, whether in the State of Mississippi or in a contracting state with whom Mississippi has entered into a contractual relationship either bilaterally or as part of an ABLE consortium;

(s) To provide an ABLE assistance helpline by which those having inquires can be directed to the proper entity for assistance in qualifying and enrolling in an ABLE Program; and

(t) To develop and provide an “Account Holder's Bill of Rights” to each individual, who is a Mississippi resident, and who enrolls in the ABLE Program whether such account is managed inside or outside of the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-871 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 17 / Section 21-871
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-871
Status: in_force

Each CASA program shall forward annually to the association data collected pursuant to Sections 43-21-853 and 43-21-865 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-17 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 15 / Section 15-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-17
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of Child Protection Services is authorized to make such payments as may be appropriate for supportive services to facilitate either the return of children to their natural parents or their adoption, depending upon and contingent upon the availability of the Department of Child Protection Services securing or having sufficient funds to render this supportive service. Upon court order, the parent(s) shall be responsible for reimbursing the department for any foster care or kinship care payments made on behalf of his or her child, based upon financial ability to pay, until such time as there is a termination of parental rights regarding the child, or the child is adopted.

(2) For those children placed in foster care by the state or county departments of human services, the department shall make monthly payments for the support of these children's room and board, clothing, allowance and personal needs. From and after July 1, 1998, and subject to the availability of funds specifically appropriated therefor, the Department of Child Protection Services' foster care and therapeutic care monthly payment schedule in effect before that date shall be increased by One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per month, with that minimum payment not to preclude the department from increasing payments in later years as funds become available. From and after July 1, 1998, in order for foster parents to receive the monthly payments authorized under this subsection (2), the Department of Child Protection Services shall require foster care placements to be licensed as foster care homes and shall require prospective foster parents to satisfactorily complete an appropriate training program that emphasizes the goal of the foster care program to provide stable foster placement until a permanency outcome is achieved.

(3) For a child placed in the care of the child's relative within the third degree by the state or county departments of human services, unless a child is placed in the care of a relative who is exempt from foster care training requirements, the department shall make monthly payments to defray the relative's expense of furnishing room and board. The department's relative care payment shall be in an amount up to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the foster care board payment. The department may continue to make those payments to the relative after the department relinquishes legal custody of the child to the relative if the relative has complied with foster care training requirements. Any such payments for relative care shall be subject to specific appropriation therefor by the Legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-13 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 30 / Section 35-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-13
Status: in_force

(a) A municipality shall not approve an urban renewal project for an urban renewal area unless the governing body has, by resolution, determined such area to be a slum area or a blighted area or a combination thereof and designated such area as appropriate for an urban renewal project. The local governing body shall not approve an urban renewal plan until a general plan for the municipality has been prepared. For this purpose and other municipal purposes, authority is hereby vested in every municipality to prepare, to adopt and to revise from time to time, a general plan for the physical development of the municipality as a whole (giving due regard to the environs and metropolitan surroundings), to establish and maintain a planning commission for such purpose and related municipal planning activities, and to make available and to appropriate necessary funds therefor. A municipality shall not acquire real property for an urban renewal project unless the local governing body has approved the urban renewal project in accordance with subsection (d) hereof.

(b) The municipality may itself prepare or cause to be prepared an urban renewal plan, or any person or agency, public or private, may submit such a plan to a municipality. Prior to its approval of an urban renewal project, the local governing body shall submit such plan to the planning commission of the municipality, if any, for review and recommendations as to its conformity with the general plan for the development of the municipality as a whole. The planning commission shall submit its written recommendations with respect to the proposed urban renewal plan to the local governing body within thirty (30) days after receipt of the plan for review. Upon receipt of the recommendations of the planning commission, or if no recommendations are received within said thirty (30) days, then without such recommendations, the local governing body may proceed with the hearing on the proposed urban renewal project prescribed by subsection (c) hereof.

(c) The local governing body shall hold a public hearing on an urban renewal project, after public notice thereof by publication in a newspaper having a general circulation in the area of operation of the municipality. The notice shall describe the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing, shall generally identify the urban renewal area covered by the plan, and shall outline the general scope of the urban renewal project under consideration.

(d) Following such hearing, the local governing body may approve an urban renewal project if it finds that (1) a feasible method exists for the location of families who will be displaced from the urban renewal area in decent, safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations within their means and without undue hardship to such families; (2) the urban renewal plan conforms to the general plan of the municipality as a whole; and (3) the urban renewal plan will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the municipality as a whole, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the urban renewal area by private enterprise. If the urban renewal area consists of an area of open land to be acquired by the municipality, such area shall not be so acquired unless (1) if it is to be developed for residential uses, the local governing body shall determine that a shortage of housing of sound standards and design which is decent, safe and sanitary exists in the municipality; that the need for housing accommodations has been or will be increased as a result of the clearance of slums in other areas (including other portions of the urban renewal area); that the conditions of blight in the area and the shortage of decent, safe and sanitary housing cause or contribute to an increase in and spread of disease and crime and constitute a menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare; and that the acquisition of the area for residential uses is an integral part of and essential to the program of the municipality, or (2) if it is to be developed for nonresidential uses, the local governing body shall determine that such nonresidential uses are necessary and appropriate to facilitate the proper growth and development of the community in accordance with sound planning standards and local community objectives, which acquisition may require the exercise of governmental action, as provided in this article, because of defective or unusual conditions of title, diversity of ownership, tax delinquency, improper subdivisions, outmoded street patterns, deterioration of site, economic disuse, unsuitable topography or faulty lot layouts, the need for the correlation of the area with other areas of a municipality by streets and modern traffic requirements, or any combination of such factors or other conditions which retard development of the area.

(e) An urban renewal plan may be modified at any time, provided that if modified after the lease or sale by the municipality of real property in the urban renewal project area, such modification may be conditioned upon such approval of the owner, lessee or successor in interest as the municipality may deem advisable and in any event shall be subject to such rights at law or in equity as a lessee or purchaser, or his successor or successors in interest, may be entitled to assert.

(f) Upon the approval by a municipality of an urban renewal plan or of any modification thereof, such plan or modification shall be deemed to be in full force and effect for the respective urban renewal area and the municipality may then cause such plan or modification to be carried out in accordance with its terms.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, where the local governing body certifies that an area is in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation as a result of a flood, fire, hurricane, earthquake, storm, or other catastrophe respecting which the governor of the state has certified the need for disaster assistance under Public Law 875, Eighty-first Congress, or other federal law, the local governing body may approve an urban renewal plan and an urban renewal project with respect to such area without regard to the provisions of subsection (d) of this section and the provisions of this section requiring a general plan for the municipality and a public hearing on the urban renewal project.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-203 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 35-203
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-203
Status: in_force

The governing authorities of any municipality which has elected, or hereafter may elect, to exercise or delegate the power and authority to establish and construct municipal parking facilities for motor vehicles belonging to the general public, as provided in Section 43-35-201 , and the governing authorities of any urban renewal agency or redevelopment authority to which such power and authority shall have been delegated are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to issue bonds for the purpose of acquiring land and property for a municipal parking facility and related structures and also for owning, erecting, building, establishing, operating and maintaining such facilities and related structures and to remodel or repair the same, and to refund outstanding bonds and to pay costs relating to the issuance of such bonds and interest on such bonds and to establish any reserves determined to be appropriate. Such bonds may be issued without an election thereon upon the adoption of a resolution by the governing authorities of such issuing authority. Such bonds shall not be subject to any limitation as to amount, and shall not be included in computing the statutory limitation of indebtedness of such issuing authority under any present or future law. Such bonds shall bear date or dates, shall be of such denomination or denominations, shall bear interest at such rates not to exceed the maximum rate specified in Section 75-17-103 , shall be payable at such place or places within or without the State of Mississippi, shall mature at such time or times and upon such terms and may be made redeemable prior to maturity with or without premium, shall bear such registration privileges and shall be in substantially such form as shall be determined by resolution of the governing authorities of such issuing authority.

Such bonds shall be executed by the manual or facsimile signature of the mayor or chairman and clerk or secretary of such issuing authority, with the seal of the issuing authority affixed thereto or reproduced thereon. Whenever such bonds shall have been signed by the officials designated to sign the same who were in office at the time of such signing but who may have ceased to be such officers prior to the date of the sale and delivery of such bonds, or who may not have been in office on the date such bonds may bear, the signatures of such officers upon such bonds shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes and have the same effect as if the person so officially signing such bonds had remained in office until the delivery of the same to the purchaser or had been in office on the date such bonds may bear.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-9-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-9-1
Status: in_force

For the purpose of providing for aged persons in need, a statewide system of old age assistance is hereby established and shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of this state to operate with due regard to the varying conditions and cost of living, to be financed by state appropriations therefor, and to be administered by the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, as hereinafter provided.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-11 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 26 / Section 47-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-11
Status: in_force

(1) If, pursuant to an investigation instituted pursuant to Section 43-47-7 , the department determines that a vulnerable person is in need of protective services, it shall prepare a plan of services, reviewing that plan with the vulnerable person and obtaining his consent in writing.

(2) When a caretaker of a vulnerable person who consents to the receipt of protective services refuses to allow the provision of such services to the vulnerable person, the department may petition the court for an order for injunctive relief enjoining the caretaker from interfering with the provision of protective services to the vulnerable person.

(3) If a vulnerable person does not consent to the receipt of protective services, or if he withdraws his consent, the services shall not be provided, except as indicated in Section 43-47-13 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-309 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 35-309
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-309
Status: in_force

The governing authorities of such municipality are hereby authorized, in their discretion, to make such charges as would be deemed proper for the use of such facilities. Any revenue received from any of such charges may be pledged for the payment of bonds issued hereunder or otherwise credited against the cost and expense to be charged against the property benefitted thereby.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-23 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 55-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-23
Status: in_force

(1) The institutions of higher learning and the Office of the Governor shall provide necessary administrative and staff support services to the State Commission for Volunteer Service. Additional support services may be provided, including, but not limited to, the use of office space, furniture and equipment, motor vehicles, travel and other related services. The commission shall employ an executive director, who shall be initially designated by the Governor. The executive director shall employ such staff as is necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. Future executive directors shall be selected by the commission.

(2) The commission may procure information and assistance from the state or any subdivision, municipal corporation, public officer, or governmental department or agency thereof. All agencies, officers, and political subdivisions of the state or municipal corporations shall provide the office with all relevant information and reasonable assistance on any matters of research within their knowledge or control.

(3) The commission may apply for, receive, and expend funds, grants, and services from local, state, or federal government, or any of their agencies, or any other public or private sources and is authorized to use funds derived from these sources for purposes reasonable and necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The commission also may expend moneys, upon appropriation by the Legislature, from the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service Fund created in Section 43-55-29 .

(4) The commission shall submit its budget request through the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. Such request shall be submitted by the board of trustees as a separate and distinct request made on behalf of the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-303 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-303
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-303
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of Human Services, in administering its child support enforcement program on behalf of Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients, or any other attorney representing a Medicaid recipient, shall include a prayer for medical support in complaints and other pleadings in obtaining a child support order whenever health-care coverage is available to the absent parent at a reasonable cost. Nothing in this section shall be construed to contradict the provisions of Section 43-19-101(6) .

(2) Health insurance enrollment shall be on the form prescribed by the Department of Human Services unless a court or administrative order stipulates an alternative form of health-care coverage other than employer-based coverage. Employers must complete the employer response and return to the Department of Human Services within twenty (20) days. Employers must transfer the Medical Support Notice to Plan Administrator Part B to the appropriate group health plan providing any such health-care coverage for which the child(ren) is eligible within twenty (20) business days after the date of the notice. Employers must withhold any obligation of the employee for employee contributions necessary for coverage of the child(ren) and send any amount withheld directly to the plan. Employees may contest the withholding based on a mistake of fact. If the employee contests such withholding, the employer must initiate withholding until such time as the employer receives notice that the contest is resolved. Employers must notify the Department of Human Services promptly whenever the noncustodial parent's employment is terminated in the same manner as required for income withholding cases.

(3) Health insurers, including, but not limited to, ERISA plans, preferred provider organizations, and HMOs, shall not have contracts that limit or exclude payments if the individual is eligible for Medicaid, is not claimed as a dependent on the federal income tax return, or does not reside with the parent or in the insurer's service area.

Health insurers and employers shall honor court or administrative orders by permitting enrollment of a child or children at any time and by allowing enrollment by the custodial parent, the Division of Medicaid, or the Child Support Enforcement Agency if the absent parent fails to enroll the child(ren).

The health insurer and the employer shall not disenroll a child unless written documentation substantiates that the court order is no longer in effect, the child will be enrolled through another insurer, or the employer has eliminated family health coverage for all of its employees.

The employer shall allow payroll deduction for the insurance premium from the absent parent's wages and pay the insurer. The health insurer and the employer shall not impose requirements on the Medicaid recipient that are different from those applicable to any other individual. The health insurer shall provide pertinent information to the custodial parent to allow the child to obtain benefits and shall permit custodial parents to submit claims to the insurer.

The health insurer and employer shall notify the Division of Medicaid and the Department of Human Services when lapses in coverage occur in court-ordered insurance. If the noncustodial parent has provided such coverage and has changed employment, and the new employer provides health-care coverage, the Department of Human Services shall transfer notice of the provision to the employer, which notice shall operate to enroll the child in the noncustodial parent's health plan, unless the noncustodial parent contests the notice. The health insurer and employer shall allow payments to the provider of medical services, shall honor the assignment of rights to third-party sources by the Medicaid recipient and the subrogation rights of the Division of Medicaid as set forth in Section 43-13-305, Mississippi Code of 1972 , and shall permit payment to the custodial parent.

The employer shall allow the Division of Medicaid to garnish wages of the absent parent when such parent has received payment from the third party for medical services rendered to the insured child and such parent has failed to reimburse the Division of Medicaid to the extent of the medical service payment.

Any insurer or the employer who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be liable to the Division of Medicaid to the extent of payments made to the provider of medical services rendered to a recipient to which the third party or parties, is, are, or may be liable.

(4) The Division of Medicaid shall report to the Mississippi State Tax Commission an absent parent who has received third-party payment(s) for medical services rendered to the insured child and who has not reimbursed the Division of Medicaid for the related medical service payment(s). The Mississippi State Tax Commission shall withhold from the absent parent's state tax refund, and pay to the Division of Medicaid, the amount of the third-party payment(s) for medical services rendered to the insured child and not reimbursed to the Division of Medicaid for the related medical service payment(s).
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-503 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 21-503
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-503
Status: in_force

The form of the summons shall be substantially as follows:

State of Mississippi

County of __________ In the __________ Court of __________ County

Youth Court Division

No. __________

In the Interest of __________.

SUMMONS

TO: __________

You are required to serve the following:

TO: __________

You __________are commanded to appear personally before the __________ Court of __________ County at the Courthouse in __________, Mississippi, at __________ o'clock on __________, the ___ day of __________, 20___, for a __________ hearing for the purpose set forth in the petition.__________ is required to produce __________ at the above-named hearing. You have a right to be represented by an attorney. You are requested to immediately notify the youth court of the name of your attorney. If indigent, the above-named child has a right to have an attorney appointed for h__________ free of charge, and should immediately apply to the youth court for such appointed counsel. You have a right to subpoena witnesses in your behalf.

GIVEN under hand and seal of court, at __________, Mississippi, this the ___ day of __________, 20___.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-51-3 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / Section 51-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-51-3
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:

(a) “ Child at imminent risk of placement ” means a minor who may be reasonably expected to face, in the near future, commitment to the care or custody of the state as a result of:

(i) Dependency, abuse or neglect;

(ii) Emotional disturbance;

(iii) Family conflict so extensive that reasonable control of the child is not exercised; or

(iv) Delinquency adjudication.

(b) “ Family preservation services ” means services designed to help families alleviate risks or crises that might lead to out-of-home placement of children. The services may include procedures to maintain the safety of children in their own homes, support to families preparing to reunify or adopt and assistance to families in obtaining services and other sources of support necessary to address their multiple needs in a culturally sensitive environment.

(c) “ Family support services ” means preventive community-based activities designed to alleviate stress and to promote parental competencies and behaviors that will increase the ability of families to successfully nurture their children and will enable families to use other resources and opportunities available in the community. These services may include supportive networks designed to enhance child-rearing abilities of parents and to help compensate for the increased social isolation and vulnerability of families. Examples of these services and activities include: respite care for parents and other caregivers; early developmental screening of children to assess the needs of these children and assistance in obtaining specific services to meet their needs; mentoring, tutoring and health education for youth; and a range of center-based activities, such as informal interactions in drop-in centers and parent support groups, and home visiting programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-53-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 16 / Section 53-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-53-9
Status: in_force

The establishment of the Mississippi Leadership Council on Aging shall not impede the intent of the Vulnerable Adults Act of 1986 as provided in Section 43-47-1, et seq.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-203 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 15-203
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-203
Status: in_force

(1) No later than the close of the first business day after the date on which an emergency medical services provider takes possession of a child pursuant to Section 43-15-201 , the provider shall notify the Department of Child Protection Services that the provider has taken possession of the child.

(2) The department shall assume the care, control and custody of the child immediately on receipt of notice pursuant to subsection (1). The department shall be responsible for all medical and other costs associated with the child and shall reimburse the hospital for any costs incurred prior to the child being placed in the care of the department.

(3)(a) Immediately after assuming legal custody of the infant, the department shall contact the local law enforcement agency in the municipality or county in which the infant was surrendered and the Department of Public Safety to determine whether the infant is a missing child in this state or another state. If the department determines that the infant is a missing child, then the department shall perform its due diligence to reunite the infant with his or her family.

(b) A law enforcement agency that is contacted under the provisions of this subsection shall investigate whether the child is reported as missing.

(c) For purposes of this subsection (3), the term “ missing child ” means person under the age of eighteen (18) reported to police or by police as someone whose whereabouts are unknown for any reason.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-459 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 21-459
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-459
Status: in_force

No party shall be required to file a responsive pleading.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 17 / Section 55-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-9
Status: in_force

Members of the commission shall serve without compensation. However, members of the commission may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-703 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 21-703
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-703
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall study the youth court system in Mississippi, and prepare a report including any proposed changes in the youth court system and/or its procedures. It shall submit the report to the Legislature, on or before October 1, 2024, along with a report detailing any legislation which may be needed to implement the plan. In preparing the report, the commission shall evaluate the existing juvenile services in the state and may recommend changes in the organizational concepts, institutions, laws and resources.

(2) In formulating its report, the commission shall take into consideration the following:

(a) Whether a uniform statewide youth court system would be desirable;

(b) How best the service needs of the state could be met in relation to the taxing and resource capacity of various multi-county districts now existing or proposed;

(c) Whether counties in a given service area or district may develop district shelters, detention centers and diagnostic centers to serve a multi-county area; and

(d) What proposals or alternatives would update or modernize the system to provide staffing for all counties and citizens.

(3) The commission, in addition to recommending the plan described in this section, shall serve as a clearinghouse and information center for the collection, preparation, analysis and dissemination of information on the youth court system in Mississippi and shall conduct ongoing research relating to the improvement of the youth court system. Pursuant to its duties under this subsection, the commission may request the regular submission to it of such reports, information and statistics by the courts, judges, prosecuting attorneys and agencies of this state which the commission deems necessary for the development of its reports.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-801 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / Section 21-801
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-801
Status: repealed

(1) There is established the Youth Court Support Program. The purpose of the program shall be to ensure that all youth courts have sufficient support funds to carry on the business of the youth court. The Administrative Office of Courts shall establish a formula consistent with this section for providing state support payable from the Youth Court Support Fund for the support of the youth courts.

(a)(i) Each regular youth court referee is eligible for youth court support funds so long as the senior chancellor does not elect to employ a youth court administrator as set forth in paragraph (b); a municipal youth court judge is also eligible. The Administrative Office of Courts shall direct any funds to the appropriate county or municipality. The funds shall be utilized to compensate an intake officer who shall be responsible for ensuring that all intake and case information for the Department of Human Services--Division of Youth Services, truancy matters, and the Department of Child Protection Services is entered into the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS) in an accurate and timely manner. If the court already has an intake officer responsible for entering all cases of the Department of Human Services--Division of Youth Services, truancy matters, and the Department of Child Protection Services into MYCIDS, the regular youth court referee or municipal court judge may certify to the Administrative Office of Courts that such a person is already on staff. In such a case, each regular youth court referee or municipal youth court judge shall have the sole individual discretion to appropriate those funds as expense monies to assist in hiring secretarial staff and acquiring materials and equipment incidental to carrying on the business of the court within the private practice of law of the referee or judge, or may direct the use of those funds through the county or municipal budget for court support supplies or services. The regular youth court referee and municipal youth court judge shall be accountable for assuring through private, county or municipal employees the proper preparation and filing of all necessary tracking and other documentation attendant to the administration of the youth court.

(ii) Title to all tangible property, excepting stamps, stationery and minor expendable office supplies, procured with funds authorized by this section, shall be and forever remain in the county or municipality to be used by the judge or referee during the term of his office and thereafter by his successors.

(b)(i) When permitted by the Administrative Office of Courts and as funds are available, the senior chancellor for Chancery Districts One, Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven, Nine, Ten, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen and Eighteen may appoint a youth court administrator for the district whose responsibility will be to perform all reporting, tracking and other duties of a court administrator for all youth courts in the district that are under the chancery court system. Any chancery district listed in this paragraph in which a chancellor appoints a referee or special master to hear any youth court matter is ineligible for funding under this paragraph (b). The Administrative Office of Courts may allocate to an eligible chancery district a sum not to exceed Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) per year for the salary, fringe benefits and equipment of the youth court administrator, and an additional sum not to exceed One Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($1,900.00) for the administrator's travel expenses.

(ii) The appointment of a youth court administrator shall be evidenced by the entry of an order on the minutes of the court. The person appointed shall serve at the will and pleasure of the senior chancellor but shall be an employee of the Administrative Office of Courts.

(iii) The Administrative Office of Courts must approve the position, job description and salary before the position can be filled. The Administrative Office of Courts shall not approve any plan that does not first require the expenditure of the funds from the Youth Court Support Fund before expenditure of county funds is authorized for that purpose.

(iv) Title to any tangible property procured with funds authorized under this paragraph shall be and forever remain in the State of Mississippi.

(c)(i) Each county court is eligible for youth court support funds. The funds shall be utilized to provide compensation to an intake officer who shall be responsible for ensuring that all intake and case information for the Department of Human Services--Division of Youth Services, truancy matters, and the Department of Child Protection Services is entered into the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS) in an accurate and timely manner. If the county court already has an intake officer or other staff person responsible for entering all cases of the Department of Human Services--Division of Youth Services, truancy matters and the Department of Child Protection Services into MYCIDS, the senior county court judge may certify that such a person is already on staff. In such a case, the senior county court judge shall have discretion to direct the expenditure of those funds in hiring other support staff to carry on the business of the court.

(ii) For the purposes of this paragraph, “ support staff ” means court administrators, law clerks, legal research assistants, secretaries, resource administrators or case managers appointed by a youth court judge, or any combination thereof, but shall not mean school attendance officers.

(iii) The appointment of support staff shall be evidenced by the entry of an order on the minutes of the court. The support staff so appointed shall serve at the will and pleasure of the senior county court judge but shall be an employee of the county.

(iv) The Administrative Office of Courts must approve the positions, job descriptions and salaries before the positions may be filled. The Administrative Office of Courts shall not approve any plan that does not first require the expenditure of funds from the Youth Court Support Fund before expenditure of county funds is authorized for that purpose.

(v) The Administrative Office of Courts may approve expenditure from the fund for additional equipment for support staff appointed pursuant to this paragraph if the additional expenditure falls within the formula. Title to any tangible property procured with funds authorized under this paragraph shall be and forever remain in the county to be used by the youth court and support staff.

(2)(a)(i) The formula developed by the Administrative Office of Courts for providing youth court support funds shall be devised so as to distribute appropriated funds proportional to caseload and other appropriate factors as set forth in regulations promulgated by the Administrative Office of Courts. The formula will determine a reasonable maximum amount per judge or referee per annum that will not be exceeded in allocating funds under this section.

(ii) The formula shall be reviewed by the Administrative Office of Courts every two (2) years to ensure that the youth court support funds provided herein are proportional to each youth court's caseload and other specified factors.

(iii) The Administrative Office of Courts shall have wide latitude in the first two-year cycle to implement a formula designed to maximize caseload data collection.

(b) Application to receive funds under this section shall be submitted in accordance with procedures established by the Administrative Office of Courts.

(c) Approval of the use of any of the youth court support funds distributed under this section shall be made by the Administrative Office of Courts in accordance with procedures established by the Administrative Office of Courts.

(3)(a) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the “Youth Court Support Fund,” which shall consist of funds appropriated or otherwise made available by the Legislature in any manner and funds from any other source designated for deposit into such fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be distributed to the youth courts by the Administrative Office of Courts for the purposes described in this section.

(b)(i) During the regular legislative session held in calendar year 2007, the Legislature may appropriate an amount not to exceed Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00) to the Youth Court Support Fund.

(ii) During each regular legislative session subsequent to the 2007 Regular Session, the Legislature shall appropriate Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00) to the Youth Court Support Fund.

(c) No youth court judge or youth court referee shall be eligible to receive funding from the Youth Court Support Fund who has not received annual continuing education in the field of juvenile justice in an amount to conform with the requirements of the Rules and Regulations for Mandatory Continuing Judicial Education promulgated by the Supreme Court or received at least one (1) hour of annual continuing education concerning oversight of youth court intake officers and MYCIDS. The Administrative Office of Courts shall maintain records of all referees and youth court judges regarding such training and shall not disburse funds to any county or municipality for the budget of a youth court judge or referee who is not in compliance with the judicial training requirements.

(4) Any recipient of funds from the Youth Court Support Fund shall not be eligible for continuing disbursement of funds if the recipient is not in compliance with the terms, conditions and reporting requirements set forth in the procedures promulgated by the Administrative Office of Courts.

(5) The provisions of this section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2026.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-25 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 35-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-25
Status: in_force

(a) All property of a municipality including funds, owned or held by it for the purposes of this article shall be exempt from levy and sale by virtue of an execution, and no execution or other judicial process shall issue against the same nor shall judgment against a municipality be a charge or lien upon such property. The provisions of this section shall not apply to or limit the right of obligees to pursue any remedies for the enforcement of any pledge or lien given pursuant to this article by a municipality on its rents, fees, grants or revenues from urban renewal projects.

(b) The property of a municipality, acquired or held for the purposes of this article, is declared to be public property used for essential public and governmental purposes and such property shall be exempt from all taxes of the municipality, the county, the state or any political subdivision thereof. Such tax exemption shall terminate when the municipality sells, leases or otherwise disposes of such property in an urban renewal area to a purchaser or lessee which is not a public body entitled to tax exemption with respect to such property.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-43 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-43
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-43
Status: in_force

The mother or father are competent to testify at the trial against the other as provided in Section 13-1-5 subject to the provisions of the Mississippi Rules of Evidence governing the husband-wife privilege. If a parent called for examination declines to answer upon the grounds that his testimony may incriminate him, the court may require him to answer, in which event he shall not thereafter be prosecuted for any criminal acts involved in the conception of the child whose paternity is in issue and/or for whom support is sought, except for perjury committed in his testimony.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-19 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 28 / Section 47-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-19
Status: in_force

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to abuse, neglect or exploit any vulnerable person.

(2)(a) Any person who willfully commits an act or willfully omits the performance of any duty, which act or omission contributes to, tends to contribute to, or results in neglect, physical pain, injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement or deprivation of services which are necessary to maintain the mental or physical health of a vulnerable person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment not to exceed one (1) year in the county jail, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Any accepted medical procedure performed in the usual scope of practice shall not be a violation of this subsection.

(b) Any person who willfully exploits a vulnerable person, where the value of the exploitation is less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or by imprisonment not to exceed one (1) year in the county jail, or by both such fine and imprisonment; where the value of the exploitation is Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) or more, the person who exploits a vulnerable person shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not more than ten (10) years.

(3) Any person who willfully inflicts physical pain or injury upon a vulnerable person shall be guilty of felonious abuse or battery, or both, of a vulnerable person and, upon conviction thereof, may be punished by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not more than twenty (20) years.

(4) Any person who willfully inflicts severe mental anguish upon a vulnerable person shall be guilty of a felony and shall be sentenced to not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years in the custody of the Department of Corrections and shall be fined not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).

(5) For any third or subsequent misdemeanor conviction of any person violating any part of this section, the offenses being committed within a period of five (5) years, such person shall be guilty of a felony and shall be sentenced to not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years in the custody of the Department of Corrections and shall be fined not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).

(6) Nothing contained in this section shall prevent proceedings against a person under any statute of this state or municipal ordinance defining any act as a crime or misdemeanor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-21 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-21
Status: in_force

Whenever any member of the board of supervisors shall ascertain that there is a pauper in his district probably entitled to relief, it shall be his duty to examine into the pauper's right to support; and if he be satisfied that such pauper has a settlement in his county, and is unable to support himself, or is entitled to be supported, or provided for by the county, he shall report the facts to the board of supervisors for its action; and in case of emergency, he may give his written order to the superintendent of the county home to receive such pauper; and may cause the pauper to be removed to the county home.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-203 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 26 / Section 33-203
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-203
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of any county, the mayor and board of aldermen, the mayor and city council, or other governing authorities, of any municipality of the state, and guardians, trustees, and receivers in chancery are authorized and empowered to accept in full and final settlement of any indebtedness due such county or municipality (except taxes and moneys due by virtue of special assessments), guardian, trustee, or receiver, and equivalent amount of bonds of the Home Owners' Loan Corporation, at par value, in exchange for such indebtedness. In the case of guardians, trustees and receivers in chancery such exchange or acceptance of such bonds shall first be approved by the chancery court having jurisdiction over such guardian, trustee or receiver.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-116.1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 13-116.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-116.1
Status: in_force

(1) For purposes of this section:

(a) “ Financial institution ” has the meaning given by Sections 81-3-1 and 81-12-3 , and shall include, but not be limited to, credit unions, stock brokerages, public or private entities administering retirement, savings, annuities, life insurance and/or pension funds.

(b) “ Account ” means a demand deposit account, checking or negotiable withdrawal order account, savings account, time deposit account or money-market account.

(2) In accordance with Section 1940 of the federal Social Security Act ( 42 USCS Section 1396w ), the Division of Medicaid shall implement an asset verification program requiring each applicant for or recipient of Medicaid assistance on the basis of being aged, blind or disabled, to provide authorization by the applicant or recipient, their spouse, and by any other person whose resources are required by law to be disclosed to determine the eligibility of the applicant or recipient for Medicaid assistance, for the division to obtain from any financial institution financial records and information held by any such financial institution with respect to the applicant, recipient, spouse or such other person, as applicable, that the division determines are needed to verify the financial resources of the applicant, recipient or such other person in connection with a determination or redetermination with respect to eligibility for, or the amount or extent of, Medicaid assistance. Each aged, blind or disabled Medicaid applicant or recipient, their spouse, and any other applicable person described in this section shall provide authorization (as specified by 42 USCS Section 1396w(c) ) to the division to obtain from any financial institution, any financial record, whenever the division determines that the record is needed in connection with a determination or redetermination of eligibility for Medicaid assistance.

(3)(a) In connection with the asset verification program, the division is authorized to enter into agreements with financial institutions doing business in the state:

(i) To develop and operate a data match system, using automated data exchanges, in which the division will provide to the financial institution, on a quarterly or more frequent basis, the name, social security number or other taxpayer identification number, and any other necessary identifying information for each applicant for or recipient of Medicaid assistance and for each other person whose resources are required to be disclosed to determine the eligibility of the applicant or recipient for Medicaid assistance; and

(ii) Provide for payment to the financial institution of the reasonable costs of the institution for conducting the data matches and for responding to other requests made under this section, in accordance with the cost reimbursement requirements of Section 1115(a) of the Federal Right to Financial Privacy Act, 12 USCS Section 3415 , as amended.

(b) Any financial institution doing business in the State of Mississippi may enter into agreements with the division to engage in the data match system and also to disclose any accounts held by the institution on behalf of the persons so identified by the division and, if requested by the division, the account numbers, account balances, and all names and addresses and social security or other tax identification numbers on record for those accounts.

(4) When the operation of the data match system results in the location of an account of an applicant for or recipient of Medicaid assistance or a person whose resources are required to be disclosed to determine the eligibility of the applicant or recipient for Medicaid assistance, the division may request and the financial institution may provide any additional financial records and information held by the financial institution as the division determines are needed to establish, continue, modify or terminate eligibility for Medicaid assistance.

(5) A financial institution:

(a) Shall have no liability for failing to disclose to any account holder or depositor that the name of the person has been received from the division or that the financial institution has furnished financial records or information pertaining to the account holder or depositor to the division under this section;

(b) Shall have no liability for any delays, errors or omissions in conducting the data matches or in responding to other requests for records or information made under this section, which delays, errors or omissions result from circumstances beyond the control of the institution or from any unintentional, bona fide error, including, but not limited to, clerical or computer malfunction or programming error; and

(c) Shall be absolutely immune from any civil or criminal liability to any person under any contract, common law, statute or regulation for the disclosure to the division, or to any authorized contractor or agents thereof, of any information, accounts, assets, financial records or information under this article, the agreements referred to in subsection (4) of this section, or in response to any notice or request issued by the division or by any authorized contractors or agents thereof, or for any action or omission taken or omitted in good faith to comply with the requirements of this article.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-117 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 9 / Section 21-117
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-117
Status: in_force

(1) The youth court prosecutor shall represent the petitioner in all proceedings in the youth court.

(2) The county prosecuting attorney shall serve as the youth court prosecutor; however, if funds are available pursuant to Section 43-21-123 , the court may designate, as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a prosecutor or prosecutors in lieu of or in addition to the county prosecuting attorney. Where there is a municipal youth court division, the city prosecutor shall serve as youth court prosecutor; provided that the district attorney may participate in transfer proceedings.

(3) The judge may designate as provided in Section 43-21-123 some suitable attorney or attorneys to serve as youth court prosecutor or prosecutors in lieu of or in conjunction with the youth court prosecutor provided in subsection (2) of this section. The designated youth court prosecutor or prosecutors shall be paid a fee or salary fixed on order of the judge as provided in Section 43-21-123 and shall be paid by the county out of any available funds budgeted for the youth court by the board of supervisors, unless the designated youth court prosecutor or prosecutors serves in a municipal youth court division, in which case he shall be paid a fee or salary fixed on order of the judge from the funds available to the municipality.

(4) All youth court prosecutors and county prosecuting attorneys who serve as youth court prosecutors shall be required to receive juvenile justice training approved by the Mississippi Attorney General's office and regular annual continuing education in the field of juvenile justice. The Mississippi Attorney General's office shall determine the amount of juvenile justice training and annual continuing education which shall be satisfactory to fulfill the requirements of this subsection. The Administrative Office of Courts shall maintain a roll of youth court prosecutors, shall enforce the provisions of this subsection and shall maintain records on all such youth court prosecutors regarding such training. Should a youth court prosecutor miss two (2) consecutive training sessions sponsored by the Mississippi Attorney General's office as required by this subsection or fail to attend one (1) such training session within six (6) months of their designation as youth court prosecutor, the youth court prosecutor shall be disqualified to serve and be immediately removed from the office of youth court prosecutor and another youth court prosecutor shall be designated.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-105 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 29 / Section 33-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-105
Status: in_force

The area of operation of a housing authority created for a county shall include all of the county for which it is created and the area of operation of a regional housing authority shall include (except as otherwise provided elsewhere in this article) all of the counties for which such regional housing authority is created and established. A county or regional housing authority shall not undertake any housing project or projects within the boundaries of any city unless a resolution shall have been adopted by the governing body of such city (and also by any housing authority which shall have been theretofore established and authorized to exercise its powers in such city) declaring that there is a need for the county or regional housing authority to exercise its powers within such city.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 18 / Section 33-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-5
Status: in_force

In each town or city and in each county of the state there is hereby created a public body corporate and politic to be known as the “housing authority” of the town or city or county. However, such authority shall not transact any business or exercise its powers hereunder until or unless the governing body of the town or city or the county, as the case may be, by proper resolution shall declare at any time hereafter that there is need for an authority to function in such town or city or county. The determination as to whether there is such need for an authority to function (a) may be made by the governing body on its own motion or (b) shall be made by the governing body upon the filing of a petition signed by twenty-five (25) residents of the town or city or county, as the case may be, asserting that there is need for an authority to function in such town or city or county and requesting that the governing body so declare.

The governing body shall adopt a resolution declaring that there is need for a housing authority in the town or city or county, as the case may be, if it shall find (a) that unsanitary or unsafe inhabited dwelling accommodations exist in such town or city or county or (b) that there is a shortage of safe or sanitary dwelling accommodations in such town or city or county available to persons of low income at rentals they can afford. In determining whether dwelling accommodations are unsafe or unsanitary said governing body may take into consideration the degree of overcrowding, the percentage of land coverage, the light, air, space and access available to the inhabitants of such dwelling accommodations, the size and arrangement of the rooms, the sanitary facilities, and the extent to which conditions exist in such buildings which endanger life or property by fire or other causes.

In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the authority, the authority shall be conclusively deemed to have become established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers hereunder upon proof of the adoption of a resolution by the governing body declaring the need for the authority. Such resolution or resolutions shall be deemed sufficient if it declares that there is such need for an authority and finds in substantially the foregoing terms (no further detail being necessary) that either or both of the above enumerated conditions exist in the town or city or county, as the case may be. A copy of such resolution duly certified by the clerk shall be admissible in evidence in any suit, action or proceeding.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-505 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Section 13-505
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-505
Status: in_force

(1) Any person, including a drug manufacturer, health care facility or government entity may donate prescription drugs to the drug repository program. The drugs must be donated at a pharmacy, hospital, or nonprofit clinic that participates in the drug repository program under the criteria for participation established in the rules adopted by the board under Section 43-13-509 .

(2) A pharmacy, hospital, or nonprofit clinic that participates in the drug repository program shall dispense drugs donated under this section to individuals who meet the eligibility standards established in the rules adopted by the board under Section 43-13-509 , or to other government entities and nonprofit private entities to be dispensed to individuals who meet the eligibility standards. A drug may be dispensed only pursuant to a prescription issued by a licensed practitioner as defined in Section 73-21-73 . A pharmacy, hospital, or nonprofit clinic that accepts donated drugs shall comply with all applicable federal laws and laws of this state dealing with storage and distribution of dangerous drugs, and shall inspect all drugs before dispensing them to determine that they are not adulterated. The pharmacy, hospital, or nonprofit clinic may charge individuals receiving donated drugs a handling fee established in accordance with the rules adopted by the board under Sections 43-13-501 through 43-13-509 . Drugs donated to the repository may not be resold.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-601 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 21-601
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-601
Status: in_force

(1) If the child has been adjudicated a delinquent child, a child in need of supervision, a neglected child or an abused child, the youth court shall immediately set a time and place for a disposition hearing which shall be separate, distinct and subsequent to the adjudicatory hearing. The disposition hearing, however, may be held immediately following the adjudicatory hearing unless a continuance is necessary to allow the parties to prepare for their participation in the proceedings.

(2) If the child has been taken into custody, a disposition hearing shall be held within fourteen (14) days after the adjudicatory hearing unless good cause be shown for postponement.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-23 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 28 / Section 35-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-23
Status: in_force

All banks, trust companies, bankers, savings banks and institutions, building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, investment companies and other persons carrying on a banking or investment business; all insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on an insurance business; and all executors, administrators, curators, trustees, and other fiduciaries, may legally invest any sinking funds, moneys, or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any bonds or other obligations issued by a municipality pursuant to this article or by any urban renewal agency or housing authority vested with urban renewal project powers under Section 43-35-31 . Such bonds and other obligations shall be secured by an agreement between the issuer and the federal government in which the issuer agrees to borrow from the federal government and the federal government agrees to lend to the issuer, prior to the maturity of such bonds or other obligations, moneys in an amount which (together with any other moneys irrevocably committed to the payment of interest on such bonds or other obligations) will suffice to pay the principal of such bonds or other obligations with interest to maturity thereon, which moneys, under the terms of said agreement, are required to be used for the purpose of paying the principal of and the interest on such bonds or other obligations at their maturity. Such bonds and other obligations shall be authorized security for all public deposits. It is the purpose of this section to authorize any persons, political subdivisions and officers, public or private, to use any funds owned or controlled by them for the purchase of any such bonds or other obligations. Nothing contained in this section with regard to legal investments shall be construed as relieving any person of any duty of exercising reasonable care in selecting securities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-122 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-122
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-122
Status: in_force

(1) The division is authorize to apply to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the United States Department of Health and Human Services for waivers and research and demonstration grants.

(2) The division is further authorized to accept and expend any grants, donations or contributions from any public or private organization together with any additional federal matching funds that may accrue and including, but not limited to, one hundred percent (100%) federal grant funds or funds from any governmental entity or instrumentality thereof in furthering the purposes and objectives of the Mississippi Medicaid program, provided that such receipts and expenditures are reported and otherwise handled in accordance with the General Fund Stabilization Act. The Department of Finance and Administration is authorized to transfer monies to the division from special funds in the State Treasury in amounts not exceeding the amounts authorized in the appropriation to the division.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-41 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 17 / Section 47-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-41
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of Public Safety shall establish and maintain a registry, to be known as the Mississippi Vulnerable Person Abuse Registry, containing the name of any individual who has been convicted of the crime of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable person.

(2) The department shall establish and enforce reasonable rules governing the custody, use, and preservation of the reports and records of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable person used in maintaining the registry.

(3) The crime for which an individual was convicted under this chapter shall be confidential and shall not be used or disclosed for any purpose other than the following:

(a) A care facility as required by subsection (6) of this section;

(b) A member of the public as allowed by subsection (7) of this section; and

(c) The public for disclosure of the findings and information about a case pursuant to this chapter that resulted in a fatality.

(4)(a) A court of competent jurisdiction shall notify the department of any criminal conviction that arises out of a violation of this chapter.

(b) The department shall adopt rules prescribing the process for notifying the department as required by paragraph (a) of this subsection. The rules shall include a requirement that documentation verifying the conviction be submitted to the department.

(5)(a) Upon receiving the notifications described in subsection (4) of this section, the department, in addition to entering the individual's name and address on the Mississippi Vulnerable Person Abuse Registry, shall enter information pertaining to the offense or offenses for which the individual was convicted.

(b) The individual's information, once entered on the registry, shall remain on the registry even if the individual fulfills the obligations of any criminal sentencing against that individual except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection.

(c) The department shall adopt rules requiring due process that includes notice by certified mail or by personal service for individuals found to have committed acts of abuse, neglect, or exploitation under this chapter. The department shall adopt rules providing a process by which an individual's name and information may be removed from the Mississippi Vulnerable Person Abuse Registry.

(6) A care facility shall query the Mississippi Vulnerable Person Abuse Registry with regard to an individual who is an employee or prospective employee of the facility to confirm whether the individual has been convicted of a crime of abuse, neglect, or exploitation under this chapter.

(7) A member of the public may request permission from the department to query the Mississippi Vulnerable Person Abuse Registry regarding hiring a caretaker or a person who will be in a position of trust or authority to a vulnerable person.

(a) The department shall promulgate rules governing the method of request and access to the Mississippi Vulnerable Person Abuse Registry by a member of the public regarding hiring a caretaker or a person who will be in a position of trust or authority to a vulnerable person. The rules shall require a member of the public requesting access to the registry to declare the purpose for which they are requesting access and to provide their own name and address and the name and address of the vulnerable person in need.

(b) A member of the public requesting access to query the registry shall only be given access for a limited time as determined by the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-351 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 21-351
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-351
Status: repealed

(1) Any person or agency having knowledge that a child residing or being within the county is within the jurisdiction of the youth court may make a written report to the intake unit alleging facts sufficient to establish the jurisdiction of the youth court. The report shall bear a permanent number that will be assigned by the court in accordance with the standards established by the Administrative Office of Courts pursuant to Section 9-21-9(d) , and shall be preserved until destroyed on order of the court.

(2) There shall be in each youth court of the state an intake officer who shall be responsible for the accurate and timely entering of all intake and case information into the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS) for the Department of Human Services--Division of Youth Services, truancy matters, and the Department of Child Protection Services. It shall be the responsibility of the youth court judge or referee of each county to ensure that the intake officer is carrying out the responsibility of this section.

(3) Each intake officer shall receive, at a minimum, six (6) hours of annual training on MYCIDS provided by the Mississippi Judicial College. The required training under this subsection shall be in addition to technical training provided by the Mississippi Supreme Court MYCIDS Information Technology Department.

(4) The Mississippi Judicial College, in conjunction with the Administrative Office of Courts, shall develop training materials on MYCIDS:

(a) To ensure the accurate and timely entrance of all intake and case information throughout the state by intake officers;

(b) To ensure that youth court judges are equipped to oversee the functions of each intake officer.

(5) The provisions of this section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2026,
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-49 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 17 / Section 19-49
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-49
Status: in_force

There is hereby authorized to be employed by the child support unit of the state department of public welfare such other, investigative, technical, secretarial and supportive staff as may be necessary for the proper and necessary implementation of the requirements of Public Law 93-647 , 93rd Congress, and any amendments adopted thereto applicable to said program as provided under Sections 43-19-31 through 43-19-53 ; said positions shall be subject to the merit system's rules and regulations and their salaries shall be fixed in such amounts as the state department of public welfare may deem proper.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-12-37 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 12-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-12-37
Status: in_force

(1) The Department of Human Services shall set disqualification periods for all instances of noncompliance with any SNAP requirement, unless expressly prohibited by federal law.

(2) The department shall institute a three-month, full-household disqualification period for the first instance of noncompliance, unless expressly prohibited by federal law.

(3) The department shall institute a six-month, full-household disqualification period for the second instance of noncompliance, unless expressly prohibited by federal law.

(4) The department shall institute a permanent disqualification period for the third instance of noncompliance, unless expressly prohibited by federal law.

(5) If a recipient is subject to a disqualification period under subsection (4) of this section, the department shall institute a six-month disqualification period for the recipient's entire household, unless expressly prohibited by federal law.

(6) Unless expressly prohibited by federal law, recipients shall be subject to disqualification for failure to perform actions required by other federal, state, or local means-tested public assistance programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 29-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-1
Status: in_force

For the purpose of providing assistance for permanently totally disabled needy people under the age of (sixty-five) 65 years and over the age of (eighteen) 18 years who are unable to work, a statewide system of assistance is hereby established and shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of the state, to operate with due regard to varying conditions and cost of living, to be financed by state appropriations therefor, and to be administered by the state department of public welfare, as hereinafter provided.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-63-3 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 16 / Section 63-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-63-3
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislature finds that:

(a) Families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia at home are often burdened with excessive financial or personal costs of providing continuous care;

(b) Medicare does not pay for long-term care or provide support to family caregivers;

(c) Long-term care insurance is costly and may not be affordable to low-and-middle income families and may not cover essential services for the length of time needed for an Alzheimer's patient; and

(d) Providing respite care services to those with Alzheimer's may delay or supplant the need for transfer to a long-term skilled nursing facility, allowing for the individual with Alzheimer's to remain in his or her home environment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-21 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 39-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-21
Status: in_force

Funds appropriated or otherwise available to any agency for the acquisition of real property or any interest therein for a particular program or project shall be available also for obligation and expenditure to carry out the provisions of this chapter as applied to that program or project.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 31-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-9
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors may cause the superintendent of the county home to employ in labor such paupers as may be able to work, in such way as it may deem proper without endangering their health or without oppressing them; and a fair amount of the profits resulting from such labor shall be kept and returned to the board of supervisors.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-771 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / Section 33-771
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-771
Status: in_force

The bonds authorized by Sections 43-33-767 through 43-33-797 shall be signed by the Chairman of the State Bond Commission, or by his facsimile signature, and the official seal of the State Bond Commission shall be affixed thereto, attested by the Secretary of the State Bond Commission. The interest coupons, if any, to be attached to such bonds may be executed by the facsimile signatures of such officers. Whenever any such bonds shall have been signed by the officials designated to sign the bonds who were in office at the time of such signing but who may have ceased to be such officers before the sale and delivery of such bonds, or who may not have been in office on the date such bonds may bear, the signatures of such officers upon such bonds and coupons shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes and have the same effect as if the person so officially signing such bonds had remained in office until their delivery to the purchaser, or had been in office on the date such bonds may bear. However, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, such bonds may be issued as provided in the Registered Bond Act of the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-309 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 13-309
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-309
Status: in_force

The State Department of Public Welfare shall obtain an appropriation of state funds from the State Legislature in carrying out its medical support responsibilities under this article and shall organize its programs and budgets in such a manner as to secure maximum federal funding directly or through the Division of Medicaid under Title XIX of the Federal Social Security Act, as amended. If Title XIX federal funds are secured through the Division of Medicaid, such funds shall not be considered a part of the budget of the Division of Medicaid in providing medical assistance under the Mississippi Medical Assistance Act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-11-21 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-11-21
Status: in_force

The licensing agency shall prepare and publish an annual report of its activities and operations under this chapter. A reasonable number of copies of such publications shall be available in the office of the licensing agency to be furnished free to persons requesting them.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-704 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 30 / Section 33-704
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-704
Status: in_force

(1) There is created by this article the Mississippi Home Corporation, which shall be a continuation of the corporate existence of the Mississippi Housing Finance Corporation and (a) all property, rights and powers of the Mississippi Housing Finance Corporation are vested in, and shall be exercised by, the corporation, subject, however, to all pledges, covenants, agreements, undertakings and trusts made or created by the Mississippi Housing Finance Corporation; (b) all references to the Mississippi Housing Finance Corporation in any other law or regulation shall be deemed to refer to and apply to the corporation; and (c) all regulations of the Mississippi Housing Finance Corporation shall continue to be in effect as the regulations of the corporation until amended, supplemented or rescinded by the corporation in accordance with law.

(2) The corporation is created with power to: raise funds from private investors in order to make such private funds available to finance the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and improvement of residential and rental housing for persons of low or moderate income within the state; provide financing to qualified sponsors or individuals for a wide range of loans including, but not limited to, housing development, mortgage, rehabilitation or energy conservation loans; make loans to private lenders to finance any of these loans; purchase any of these loans from private lenders; refinance, insure or guarantee any of these loans; provide for temporary or partial financing for any of these purposes; develop, operate and administer housing programs which further its stated goals of improving the availability, affordability and quality of low and moderate income housing in the state; and make grants or loans to private nonprofit developers, local governments or private persons in furtherance of these goals;

(3)(a) The corporation shall be composed of thirteen (13) members. The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint the members of the corporation, who shall be residents of the state and shall not hold other public office. There shall be at least one (1) member and not more than three (3) members appointed from each of the five (5) congressional districts in existence on January 1, 1989, and, in addition, from and after September 1, 1980, (i) at least one (1) member shall have at least three (3) years' experience and background in the savings and loan association business, the commercial banking business or the mortgage banking business, (ii) at least one (1) member shall have at least three (3) years' experience and background in the residential housing construction industry, (iii) at least one (1) member shall have at least three (3) years' experience and background in the licensed residential housing brokerage business, and (iv) at least one (1) member shall be a member of the general public not engaged in any business, industry or activity described in clauses (i) through (iii) of this subparagraph; from and after September 1, 1989, (i) at least one (1) member shall have at least three (3) years' experience and background in the manufactured housing business; (ii) at least one (1) member shall have at least three (3) years' experience and background in nonprofit housing development in a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA); (iii) at least one (1) member shall have at least three (3) years' experience and background in nonprofit housing development outside a MSA; and (iv) at least (1) member shall be a low or moderate income person qualified for assistance under this article.

(b) The term of office of the members of the corporation who are serving pursuant to this subsection (3) shall terminate on May 23, 2000.

(4) From and after May 23, 2000, the corporation shall be composed of nine (9) members. The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint six (6) members of the corporation, who shall be residents of the state. The Governor shall appoint two (2) members from each Supreme Court District. The Lieutenant Governor shall appoint three (3) members of the corporation, who shall be residents of the state. The Lieutenant Governor shall appoint one (1) member from each Supreme Court District. Two (2) members shall be appointed by the Governor for an initial term of two (2) years, two (2) members shall be appointed by the Governor for an initial term of four (4) years, and two (2) members shall be appointed by the Governor for an initial term of six (6) years. One (1) member shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor for an initial term of two (2) years, one (1) member shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor for an initial term of four (4) years, and one (1) member shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor for an initial term of six (6) years. Thereafter, the terms of members appointed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be as provided in subsection (5) of this section. In the appointment process, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor will attempt to see that all portions of society and its diversity are represented in the membership of the corporation. In the appointment process, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor will attempt to see that persons with substantial housing and financial experience are represented in the membership of the corporation.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3)(b) and subsection (4) of this section, appointments shall be for terms of six (6) years. Each member shall hold office until his successor has been appointed and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the appropriate appointing authority, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, for the length of the unexpired term only. Any member of the corporation shall be eligible for reappointment. Any member of the corporation may be removed by the appointing authority for misfeasance, malfeasance or willful neglect of duty after reasonable notice and a public hearing, unless the same are expressly waived in writing. Each member of the corporation shall before entering upon his duty take an oath of office to administer the duties of his office faithfully and impartially, and a record of such oath shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. The corporation shall annually elect from its membership a chairman who shall be eligible for reelection. The corporation shall annually elect from its membership a vice chairman who shall be eligible for reelection. The corporation shall also elect or appoint, and prescribe the duties of, such other officers (who need not be members) as the corporation deems necessary or advisable, and the corporation shall fix the compensation of such officers. The corporation may delegate to one or more of its members, officers, employees or agents such powers and duties as it may deem proper, not inconsistent with this article or other provisions of law.

(6) In accomplishing its purposes, the corporation is acting in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state and the performance of essential public functions and is serving a vital public purpose in approving and otherwise promoting their health, welfare and prosperity, and the enactment of the provisions hereinafter set forth is for a valid public purpose and is hereby so declared to be such as a matter of express legislative determination.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-505 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 35-505
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-505
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other laws.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-5
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors may, when deemed proper, sell or exchange and convey the county home property, and purchase other property for such use.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-307 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 35-307
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-307
Status: in_force

In determining the overall cost of said facility, the following are to be considered by the governing authorities: the acquisition of the land, either by purchase or lease or otherwise, and all expenses incident thereto; the cost of any surfacing, building, lighting, drainage or other improvements necessary for the safe and convenient maintenance and operation of such facility; whatever annual costs of operation are necessary by way of maintenance, police or fire protection; and all other operational or administrative expenses. The costs and all expenses incurred by virtue of this article shall be charged upon the property benefitted thereby.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 30 / Section 61-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-5
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislature finds that many low income seniors and other indigents are unaware of bona fide assistance programs that are voluntarily offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers to the elderly and underprivileged. It is the intent of the Legislature to take steps necessary to make it more widely known that such assistance is available and to make it easier for people to apply for that assistance.

(2) The Mississippi Seniors and Indigents Rx Program is established in the Department of Human Services to help seniors and qualified indigents in accessing pharmaceutical manufacturers' discount cards and pharmaceutical assistance programs and to provide seniors and qualified indigents with applications for those programs. The department shall coordinate the operation of the program with the Division of Medicaid, the Department of Mental Health, the State Department of Health and the State Department of Rehabilitation Services to insure that the services available under the program are maximized and that paperwork and inconvenience to the seniors and qualified indigents are minimized. The department may develop, maintain and make available an Internet-based application form to the general public and to each of those state agencies so that seniors and qualified indigents may get applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs at the local offices of any of those state agencies. The department may coordinate with pharmaceutical manufacturers to obtain program applications at no cost to the state.

(3) The Office of Aging and Adult Services of the Department of Human Services shall play a primary role in administering the program to seniors in the same way that the office assists in administering programs of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-211 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 6-211
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-211
Status: in_force

(1) Nothing in this article shall be interpreted to prohibit the appropriate use of programs known as center-based employment, employment centers, skill development centers, vocational rehabilitation centers, and/or other employment options.

(2) Nothing in this article shall be interpreted to require the expenditure of funds on any particular program or at any particular level or to grant any person or organization a judicially enforceable right or cause of action.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-457 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 18 / Section 21-457
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-457
Status: in_force

A petition may be amended at any time on order of the youth court for good cause shown so long as there is no prejudice to the parties.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-203 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 21-203
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-203
Status: in_force

(1) The youth court shall be in session at all times.

(2) All cases involving children shall be heard at any place the judge deems suitable but separately from the trial of cases involving adults.

(3) Hearings in all cases involving children shall be conducted without a jury and may be recessed from time to time.

(4) All hearings shall be conducted under such rules of evidence and rules of court as may comply with applicable constitutional standards.

(5) No proceeding by the youth court in cases involving children shall be a criminal proceeding but shall be entirely of a civil nature.

(6) The general public shall be excluded from the hearing, and only those persons shall be admitted who are found by the youth court to have a direct interest in the cause or work of the youth court. Any person found by the youth court to have a direct interest in the cause shall have the right to appear and be represented by legal counsel.

(7) In all hearings, a complete record of all evidence shall be taken by stenographic reporting, by mechanical or electronic device or by some combination thereof.

(8) The youth court may exclude the attendance of a child from a hearing in neglect and abuse cases with consent of the child's counsel. The youth court may exclude the attendance of a child from any portion of a disposition hearing that would be injurious to the best interest of the child in delinquency and children in need of supervision cases with consent of the child's counsel.

(9) All parties to a youth court cause shall have the right at any hearing in which an investigation, record or report is admitted in evidence:

(a) To subpoena, confront and examine the person who prepared or furnished data for the report; and

(b) To introduce evidence controverting the contents of the report.

(10) Except as provided by Section 43-21-561(5) or as otherwise provided by this chapter, the disposition of a child's cause or any evidence given in the youth court in any proceedings concerning the child shall not be admissible against the child in any case or proceeding in any court other than a youth court.

(11) An order or ruling of the youth court judge delivered orally must be reduced to writing within forty-eight (48) hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory state holidays.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-39 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 26 / Section 29-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-39
Status: in_force

Assistance for disabled persons granted under this chapter shall be paid out of any funds designated by the state legislature for this purpose.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-223 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 27-223
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-223
Status: in_force

The bonds authorized under Sections 43-27-207 through 43-27-233 may be issued without any other proceedings or the happening of any other conditions or things other than those proceedings, conditions and things that are specified or required by Sections 43-27-207 through 43-27-233 . Any resolution providing for the issuance of bonds under Sections 43-27-207 through 43-27-233 shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the State Bond Commission, and any such resolution may be adopted at any regular or special meeting of the State Bond Commission by a majority of its members.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-319 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 9 / Section 21-319
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-319
Status: in_force

In addition to any other provisions of law, it shall be lawful for a correctional facility constructed in Tallahatchie County to house juveniles who have been found delinquent or in need of supervision. The juveniles shall be housed in a correctional facility constructed in Tallahatchie County. The juveniles housed under the provisions of this section and sentenced under the laws of the federal government or its territories or another state shall be under the jurisdiction of the youth or juvenile court or committing jurisdiction in which the juvenile was found to be delinquent or in need of supervision.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 27 / Section 39-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-9
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to payments otherwise authorized by this chapter, such displacing agency shall make an additional payment not in excess of the maximum amount of relocation payments established by applicable federal regulations to any displaced person who is displaced from a dwelling actually owned and occupied by the displaced person for not less than ninety (90) days before the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of the property. The additional payment shall include the following elements:

(a) The amount, if any, which when added to the acquisition cost of the dwelling acquired, equals the reasonable cost of a comparable replacement dwelling which is a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling adequate to accommodate such displaced person, reasonably accessible to public services and places of employment, and available on the private market. All determinations required to carry out this paragraph shall be determined by regulations issued pursuant to Section 43-39-17 ;

(b) The amount, if any, which will compensate the displaced person for any increased interest costs and other debt service costs which the person is required to pay for financing the acquisition of any such comparable replacement dwelling. The amount shall be paid only if the dwelling acquired by the displacing agency was encumbered by a bona fide mortgage which was a valid lien on the dwelling for not less than ninety (90) days before the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of the dwelling. Payment determinations shall be in accordance with regulations issued pursuant to Section 43-39-17 ; and

(c) Reasonable expenses incurred by the displaced person for evidence of title, recording fees and other closing costs incident to the purchase of the replacement dwelling, but not including prepaid expenses.

(2) The additional payment authorized by this section shall be made only to a displaced person who purchases and occupies a decent, safe and sanitary replacement dwelling within one (1) year after the date on which he receives final payment from the displacing agency for the acquired dwelling, or the date on which the displacing agency's obligation under Section 43-39-13 , is met, whichever is the later date, except that the displacing agency may extend such period for good cause. If such period is extended, the payment under this section shall be based on the costs of relocating the person to a comparable replacement dwelling within one (1) year of such date.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-103 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 15-103
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-103
Status: in_force

As used in this article:

(a) “ Agency ” means a residential child-caring agency or a child-placing agency.

(b) “ Child ” or “ children ” mean(s) any unmarried person or persons under the age of eighteen (18) years.

(c) “ Child placing ” means receiving, accepting or providing custody or care for any child under eighteen (18) years of age, temporarily or permanently, for the purpose of:

(i) Finding a person to adopt the child;

(ii) Placing the child temporarily or permanently in a home for adoption; or

(iii) Placing a child in a foster home or residential child-caring agency.

(d) “ Child-placing agency ” means any entity or person which places children in foster boarding homes or foster homes for temporary care or for adoption or any other entity or person or group of persons who are engaged in providing adoption studies or foster care studies or placement services as defined by the rules of the department.

(e) “ Department ” means the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.

(f) “ Family boarding home ” or “ foster home ” means a home (occupied residence) operated by any entity or person which provides residential child care to at least one (1) child but not more than six (6) children who are not related to the primary caregivers.

(g) “ Group care home ” means any place or facility operated by any entity or person which provides residential child care for at least seven (7) children but not more than twelve (12) children who are not related to the primary caregivers.

(h) “ Licensee ” means any person, agency or entity licensed under this article.

(i) “ Maternity home ” means any place or facility operated by any entity or person which receives, treats or cares for more than one (1) child or adult who is pregnant out of wedlock, either before, during or within two (2) weeks after childbirth; provided, that the licensed child-placing agencies and licensed maternity homes may use a family boarding home approved and supervised by the agency or home, as a part of their work, for as many as three (3) children or adults who are pregnant out of wedlock, and provided further, that the provisions of this definition shall not include children or women who receive maternity care in the home of a person to whom they are kin within the sixth degree of kindred computed according to civil law, nor does it apply to any maternity care provided by general or special hospitals licensed according to law and in which maternity treatment and care are part of the medical services performed and the care of children is brief and incidental.

(j) “ Person associated with a licensee ” means an owner, director, member of the governing body, employee, provider of care and volunteer of a human services licensee.

(k) “ Related ” means children, step-children, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, siblings of the whole or half-blood, step-siblings, nieces or nephews of the primary care provider.

(l) “ Residential child care ” means the provision of supervision, and/or protection, and meeting the basic needs of a child for twenty-four (24) hours per day, which may include services to children in a residential setting where care, lodging, maintenance and counseling or therapy for alcohol or controlled substance abuse or for any other emotional disorder or mental illness is provided for children, whether for compensation or not.

(m) “ Residential child-caring agency ” means any place or facility operated by any entity or person, public or private, providing residential child care, regardless of whether operated for profit or whether a fee is charged. Such residential child-caring agencies include, but are not limited to, maternity homes, runaway shelters, group homes that are administered by an agency, and emergency shelters that are not in private residence.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-15 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 26-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-15
Status: in_force

The Department of Finance and Administration shall furnish office space for the Department of Child Protection Services in the City of Jackson and is authorized to rent suitable quarters in the city if there is not sufficient room in one (1) of the state office buildings.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 26-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-9
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the Legislature that the resources devoted to family and children's services and to public assistance programs be clearly delineated and that all resources intended for child protection and other related purposes be expended in service of that goal.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-23 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 16 / Section 29-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-23
Status: in_force

Whoever obtains, or attempts, or aids, or abets any person to obtain by means of a wilfully false statement or representation or by impersonation, or other fraudulent device:

(1) assistance to which he is not entitled; or

(2) assistance greater than that to which he is justly entitled, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or be imprisoned for not more than three (3) months, or be both so fined and imprisoned in the discretion of the court. In assessing the penalty, the court shall take into consideration the amount of money fraudulently received.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-903 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 21-903
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-903
Status: in_force

The purpose of Sections 43-21-901 through 43-21-915 is to protect and promote the health and safety of the children who are detained in juvenile detention centers in this state by providing for the licensing of juvenile detention facilities to assure that certain minimum standards are maintained.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-39 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Section 47-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-39
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Vulnerable Persons Training, Investigation and Prosecution Fund. The purpose of the fund shall be to provide funding for the Vulnerable Persons Unit in the Office of the Attorney General to assist in the training of law enforcement officers, judges, district attorneys, state agencies and investigators at the Department of Human Services with regard to issues arising under the Vulnerable Persons Act, and to provide funding for the Vulnerable Persons Unit in the Office of the Attorney General to assist in the investigation and prosecution of statewide offenders who abuse, neglect or exploit vulnerable persons. The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal-year limitations.

(2) Funding shall be provided by assessments collected from violations set out in Section 99-19-73 .

(3) From and after July 1, 2016, the expenses of the Vulnerable Persons Unit shall be defrayed by appropriation from the State General Fund and all user charges and fees authorized under this section shall be deposited into the State General Fund as authorized by law and as determined by the State Fiscal Officer.

(4) From and after July 1, 2016, no state agency shall charge another state agency a fee, assessment, rent or other charge for services or resources received by authority of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-301 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 35-301
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-301
Status: in_force

It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Legislature, by this article, to assist municipalities of this state in the growth, development and redevelopment of downtown areas within their corporate limits by authorizing any of said municipalities to designate areas for development and/or redevelopment and to provide a method for accomplishing said purpose.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-27 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 19 / Section 39-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-27
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as creating in any condemnation proceedings brought under the power of eminent domain any element of value or damages not in existence immediately prior to July 1, 1972, but such payments shall be considered only as additives to due compensation otherwise provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-7 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Section 55-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-7
Status: in_force

(1) The voting members of the commission shall elect one (1) of the voting members to serve as chairperson of the commission. The voting members of the commission may elect other officers from among the members of the commission.

(2) The commission shall meet quarterly. However, the commission shall meet more frequently at the call of the chairperson or if requested by five (5) or more members.

(3) A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the commission. A majority of the voting members present and serving are required for official action of the commission.

(4) Except as provided in subsection (5), a voting member of the commission shall not participate in the administration of the grant program described in Section 43-55-13(s) , including any discussion or decision regarding the provision of assistance or approved national service positions, or the continuation, suspension, or termination of assistance or such positions, to any program or entity if both of the following apply:

(a) A grant application relating to the grant program is pending before the commission.

(b) The application was submitted by a program or entity of which a member is, or in the one-year period before the submission of such application was, an officer, director, trustee, full-time volunteer, or employee.

(5) If, as a result of the operation of subsection (4), the number of voting members of the commission is insufficient to establish a quorum for the purpose of administering the grant program described in Section 43-55-13(s) , the voting members excluded from participation by subsection (4) may participate in the administration of the grant program, to the extent permitted by regulations issued by the corporation under Section 193A(b)(11) of Title I, 42 USCS 12651d .

(6) Subsection (4) does not limit the authority of any voting member of the commission to participate in either of the following:

(a) The discussion of, and hearing and forums on the general duties, policies, and operations of, the commission or the general administration of the grant program described in Section 43-55-13(s) .

(b) Similar general matters relating to the commission.

(7) The business which the commission may perform shall be conducted at a public meeting of the commission held in compliance with the open meetings act.

(8) A writing prepared, owned, used, in possession of, or retained by the commission in the performance of an official function is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-2 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 27-2
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-2
Status: in_force

The Department of Human Services shall be the Department of Youth Services and shall retain all powers and duties granted by law to the Department of Youth Services, and wherever the term “Department of Youth Services” appears in any law the same shall mean the Department of Human Services. The executive director of the department may assign to appropriate divisions such powers and duties as deemed appropriate to carry out the functions of the department. The executive director of the department may assign such powers and duties as deemed appropriate to carry out the functions of the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-609 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 21-609
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-609
Status: in_force

In neglect and abuse cases, the disposition order may include any of the following alternatives, giving precedence in the following sequence:

(a) Release the child without further action;

(b) Place the child in the custody of his parents, a relative or other person subject to any conditions and limitations as the court may prescribe. If the court finds that temporary relative placement, adoption or foster care placement is inappropriate, unavailable or otherwise not in the best interest of the child, durable legal custody may be granted by the court to any person subject to any limitations and conditions the court may prescribe; such durable legal custody will not take effect unless the child or children have been in the physical custody of the proposed durable custodians for at least six (6) months under the supervision of the Department of Child Protection Services. After granting durable legal custody of a minor child, the youth court shall retain original and exclusive jurisdiction of all matters related to durable legal custody, including, but not limited to, petitions to modify the durable legal custody. The requirements of Section 43-21-613 as to disposition review hearings do not apply to those matters in which the court has granted durable legal custody. In such cases, the Department of Child Protection Services shall be released from any oversight or monitoring responsibilities;

(c)(i) Grant durable legal relative guardianship to a relative or fictive kin licensed as a foster parent if the licensed relative foster parent or licensed fictive kin foster parent exercised physical custody of the child for at least six (6) months before the grant of durable legal relative guardianship and the Department of Child Protection Services had legal custody or exercised supervision of the child for at least six (6) months. In order to establish durable legal relative guardianship, the youth court must find the following:

1. That reunification has been determined to be inappropriate;

2. That the relative guardian or fictive kin guardian shows full commitment to the care, shelter, education, nurture, and reasonable medical care of the child; and

3. That the youth court consulted with any child twelve (12) years of age or older before granting durable legal relative guardianship.

(ii) The requirements of Section 43-21-613 as to disposition review hearings do not apply to a hearing concerning durable legal relative guardianship. However, the Department of Child Protection Services must conduct an annual review and recertification of the durable legal relative guardianship to determine whether it remains in the best interest of the child. If a material change in circumstances occurs adverse to the best interest of the child, the parent, relative guardian, fictive kin guardian, or Department of Child Protection Services may petition the court to review the durable legal relative guardianship;

(d) Order terms of treatment calculated to assist the child and the child's parent, guardian or custodian which are within the ability of the parent, guardian or custodian to perform;

(e) Order youth court personnel, the Department of Child Protection Services or child care agencies to assist the child and the child's parent, guardian or custodian to secure social or medical services to provide proper supervision and care of the child;

(f) Give legal custody of the child to any of the following but in no event to any state training school:

(i) The Department of Child Protection Services for appropriate placement; or

(ii) Any private or public organization, preferably community-based, able to assume the education, care and maintenance of the child, which has been found suitable by the court. Prior to assigning the custody of any child to any private institution or agency, the youth court through its designee shall first inspect the physical facilities to determine that they provide a reasonable standard of health and safety for the child;

(g) If the court makes a finding that custody is necessary as defined in Section 43-21-301(3)(b) , and that the child, in the action pending before the youth court had not previously been taken into custody, the disposition order shall recite that the effect of the continuation of the child's residing within his or her own home would be contrary to the welfare of the child, that the placement of the child in foster care is in the best interests of the child, and unless the reasonable efforts requirement is bypassed under Section 43-21-603(7)(c) , the order also must state:

(i) That reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the child within his or her own home, but that the circumstances warrant his or her removal, and there is no reasonable alternative to custody; or

(ii) The circumstances are of such an emergency nature that no reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the child within his or her own home, and there is no reasonable alternative to custody; or

(iii) If the court makes a finding in accordance with subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the court shall order that reasonable efforts be made towards the reunification of the child with his or her family; or

(h) If the court had, before the disposition hearing in the action pending before the court, taken the child into custody, the judge or referee shall determine, and the youth court order shall recite that reasonable efforts were made by the Department of Child Protection Services to finalize the child's permanency plan that was in effect on the date of the disposition hearing.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-7 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 19 / Section 26-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-7
Status: in_force

The Department of Child Protection Services shall have the authority to use the services and resources of the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health, the State Department of Human Services, the State Department of Mental Health, Division of Medicaid, and all other appropriate state departments, agencies, institutions or political subdivisions as will aid in carrying out the purposes of this chapter. It shall be the duty of all such state departments, agencies and institutions to make available such services and resources to the department, including, but not necessarily limited to, such services and resources as may be required to perform appropriate criminal history record checks on prospective foster and relative child placements for the purpose of preventing and detecting abuse and neglect.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-551 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 21-551
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-551
Status: in_force

(1) Unless the hearing is continued upon a showing of good cause or the person who is a subject to the cause has admitted the allegations of the petition, an adjudicatory hearing shall be held within ninety (90) days after the filing of the petition to determine whether there is legally sufficient evidence to find that the child is a delinquent child, a child in need of supervision, a neglected child or an abused child. If the adjudicatory hearing is not held within the ninety (90) days, the petition shall be dismissed with prejudice.

(2) If the child is in detention, the hearing shall be held as soon as possible but not later than twenty-one (21) days after the child is first detained by the youth court unless the hearing be postponed:

(a) upon motion of the child;

(b) where process cannot be completed; or

(c) upon a judicial finding that a material witness is not presently available. If the adjudicatory hearing is not held or postponed for the aforesaid reasons, the child may be released from detention.

(3) If the child is held in shelter, the hearing shall be held as soon as possible but not later than thirty (30) days after the child is first taken into custody unless the hearing is postponed:

(a) upon motion of the child;

(b) where process cannot be completed; or

(c) upon a judicial finding that a material witness is not presently available. If the adjudicatory hearing is not held or postponed for the aforesaid reasons, the child may be released from shelter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-63-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 63-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-63-5
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall be defined as provided in this section:

(a) “ Alzheimer's disease ” or “ related dementia ” means the diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person's ability to perform everyday activities.

(b) “ Mississippi Dementia Care Program ” means the Alzheimer's or related dementia pilot program created in this chapter.

(c) “ Informal caregiver ” means any spouse, adult child, relative or friend who provides unpaid assistance to an individual living in the community who suffers from Alzheimer's or other related dementia.

(d) “ Respite care ” means temporary, substitute support or living arrangements to provide a brief period of relief or rest for informal caregivers. Respite care may include in-home care by appropriately trained individuals, or care in an adult day care or assisted living or nursing home setting, for an intermittent, occasional or emergency basis.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-25 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 39-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-25
Status: in_force

Any person or business concern aggrieved by the determination of a displacing agency concerning eligibility for relocation payments authorized by this chapter shall have the right of appeal to the court that would have had jurisdiction if the cause were in eminent domain from such decision at any time within twenty (20) days after actual notice to the aggrieved party. The appeal shall be heard the same as provided by law in eminent domain causes. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any aggrieved party from exercising any right or remedy available to him under state law with respect to any action of a state agency in carrying out this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-225 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 13-225
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-13-225
Status: in_force

(1) A health care provider or vendor committing any act or omission in violation of this article shall be directly liable to the state and shall forfeit and pay to the state a civil penalty equal to the full amount received, plus an additional civil penalty equal to triple the full amount received.

(2) A criminal action need not be brought against a person for that person to be civilly liable under this article.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-29 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 29 / Section 31-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-29
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of any county shall also relieve, support or employ paupers found or being in the county, though not entitled to a settlement therein, and, in case of their decease, shall decently bury them; and all expenses shall be chargeable to and recoverable from the county in which such pauper had a settlement; and the board shall decently bury all strangers dying in the county. The board shall establish an indigent burial policy which shall be spread upon the minutes of the board. The policy shall establish standards and eligibility criteria for the administration of indigent burials. The board may be able to establish the status of someone as a pauper, either before or after his death, based upon available records of recent public assistance and any other available evidence. After review of the records, the board may adjudicate a person as a pauper and shall spread upon its minutes the adjudication. The board, in its discretion, may then pay the full cost of burial or may contribute funds to assist in the cost of the burial.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-14 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 19 / Section 20-14
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-14
Status: in_force

(1) The licensing agency may deny a license or refuse to renew a license for any of the reasons set forth in subsection (3) of this section.

(2) Before the licensing agency may deny or refuse to renew, the applicant or person named on the license shall be entitled to a hearing in order to show cause why the license should not be denied or should be renewed.

(3) The licensing agency may suspend, revoke or restrict the license of any child-care facility upon one or more of the following grounds:

(a) Fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of material facts;

(b) Conviction of an operator for any crime if the licensing agency finds that the act or acts for which the operator was convicted could have a detrimental effect on children cared for by any child-care facility;

(c) Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of the regulations governing the licensing and regulation of child-care facilities promulgated by the licensing agency;

(d) Any conduct, or failure to act, that is found or determined by the licensing agency to threaten the health or safety of children at the facility;

(e) Failure by the child-care facility to comply with the provisions of Section 43-20-8(3) regarding background checks of caregivers; and

(f) Information received by the licensing agency as a result of the criminal records background check and the child abuse registry check on all operators under Section 43-20-8 .

(4) Before the licensing agency may suspend, revoke or restrict the license of any facility, any licensee affected by that decision of the licensing agency shall be entitled to a hearing in which the licensee may show cause why the license should not be suspended, revoked or restricted.

(5) Any licensee who disagrees with or is aggrieved by a decision of the Mississippi State Department of Health in regard to the denial, refusal to renew, suspension, revocation or restriction of the license of the licensee, may appeal to the chancery court of the county in which the facility is located. The appeal shall be filed no later than thirty (30) days after the licensee receives written notice of the final administrative action by the Mississippi State Department of Health as to the suspension, revocation or restriction of the license of the licensee.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-7 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 39-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-7
Status: in_force

(1) If a displacing agency acquires real property for public use, it shall make fair and reasonable relocation payments to displaced persons and businesses as required by this chapter for:

(a) Actual reasonable expenses in moving himself, his family, business, farm operation or other personal property;

(b) Actual direct losses of tangible personal property as a result of moving or discontinuing a business or farm operation, but not to exceed an amount equal to the reasonable expenses that would have been required to relocate such property, as determined by the agency;

(c) Actual reasonable expenses in searching for a replacement business or farm; and

(d) Actual reasonable expenses necessary to reestablish a displaced farm, nonprofit organization or small business at its new site in accordance with criteria to be established by the displacing agency, but not to exceed the maximum amount of relocation payments established by applicable federal regulations.

(2) Any displaced person eligible for payments under subsection (1) of this section who is displaced from a dwelling and who elects to accept the payments authorized by this subsection in lieu of the payments authorized by subsection (1) of this section may receive an expense and dislocation allowance which shall be determined according to a schedule established by the displacing agency.

(3) Any displaced person eligible for payments under subsection (1) of this section, who is displaced from his place of business or from his farm operation and who is eligible under criteria established by the displacing agency may also qualify for the payment authorized by this subsection. Such payment shall consist of a fixed payment in an amount to be determined by the agency, except that such payment shall not be less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than the maximum amount of relocation payments established by applicable federal regulations. A person whose sole business at the displacement dwelling is the rental of such property to others shall not qualify for a payment under this subsection.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-23 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 33-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-23
Status: in_force

An authority shall have power to issue bonds from time to time, in its discretion, for any of its corporate purposes. An authority shall also have power to issue refunding bonds for the purpose of paying or retiring bonds previously issued by it. An authority may issue such types of bonds as it may determine, including (without limiting the generality of the foregoing) bonds on which the principal and interest are payable: (a) exclusively from the income and revenues of the housing project financed with the proceeds of such bonds; (b) exclusively from the income and revenues of certain designated housing projects whether or not they are financed in whole or in part with the proceeds of such bonds; or (c) from its revenues generally. Any such bonds may be additionally secured by a pledge of any grant or contributions from the federal government or other source, or a pledge of any income or revenues of the authority, or a mortgage of any housing project, projects or other property of the authority.

Neither the commissioners of an authority nor any person executing the bonds shall be liable personally on the bonds by reason of the issuance thereof. The bonds and other obligations of an authority (and such bonds and obligations shall so state on their face) shall not be a debt of the city, the county, the state or any political subdivision thereof and neither the city or the county, nor the state or any political subdivision thereof shall be liable thereon, nor in any event shall such bonds or obligations be payable out of any funds or properties other than those of said authority. The bonds shall not constitute an indebtedness within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt limitation or restriction. Bonds of an authority are declared to be issued for an essential public and governmental purpose and to be public instrumentalities and, together with interest thereon and income therefrom, shall be exempt from taxes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-53-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 53-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-53-5
Status: in_force

(1) The council shall advise the Department of Public Safety, sheriffs and other local law enforcement agencies, senior advocates chosen in consultation with the Area Agencies on Aging, and American Association of Retired Persons representatives in the study and evaluation of “TRIAD Programs” as an effective response to the problems of crime against elderly persons.

(2) The council may consult with experts, service providers, and representative organizations engaged in the protection of the elderly and may recommend the development of “TRIAD Programs” in the State of Mississippi to assist the elderly to avoid criminal victimization through the coordinated efforts of state, county and local law enforcement agencies and organizations which provide services for the elderly.

(3) The council may recommend policies and programs to assist law enforcement agencies to implement “TRIAD Programs,” including training and crime prevention standards and technical assistance. Such recommendations may include the following:

(a) The establishment of a statewide central clearinghouse for information and education materials.

(b) The development of innovative community police programs for the elderly.

(c) The provision of assistance by the council in the development and delivery of training for law enforcement professionals involved in the “TRIAD Programs,” including, but not limited to, the following subjects:

(i) Crimes against the elderly and the protection of elderly persons.

(ii) Police sensitivity to the needs of elderly persons as victims, witnesses or victims of “vicarious victimization,” which impairs the quality of life.

(iii) Availability of social and human services.

(d) The provision of assistance to state and local law enforcement officials and to nonprofit corporations and organizations with respect to effective policies and responses to crime against elderly persons.

(e) The promotion and facilitation of cooperation among state agencies and local government.

(f) The promotion of effective advocacy services to protect and assist elderly persons and elderly victims of crime.

(g) The evaluation of the relationship between crimes against elderly persons and other problems confronting elderly persons and the making of recommendations for effective policy responses.

(h) The collection of statistical data and research.

(i) The establishment of rules and regulations necessary to carry out the above.

For purposes of this chapter, “TRIAD Program” means the triad cooperative model developed by the American Association of Retired Persons, the National Sheriff's Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which calls for the participation of the sheriff, at least one (1) police chief, at least one (1) member of the American Association of Retired Persons and a representative of at least one (1) senior citizens' organization within a county and may include participation by coalitions of law enforcement, victims' services and senior citizen advocate organizations. If there is not both a sheriff and a police chief in a county or if the sheriff or a police chief does not participate, a TRIAD may include in the place of the sheriff or police chief other members of the criminal justice system, such as a district attorney.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-16 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 19 / Section 33-16
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-16
Status: in_force

(1) Any person who obtains or attempts to obtain, or who establishes or attempts to establish, eligibility for, and any person who knowingly or intentionally aids or abets such person in obtaining or attempting to obtain, or in establishing or attempting to establish eligibility for, any public housing, or a reduction in public housing rental charges, or any rent subsidy, to which such person would not otherwise be entitled, by means of a false statement, failure to disclose information, impersonation, or other fraudulent scheme or device shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as for a misdemeanor. As used in this section “public housing” shall mean housing which is constructed, operated or maintained by the state, a county, a municipal corporation, a housing authority, or by any other political subdivision or public corporation of the state or its subdivisions.

(2) Notice of this section shall be printed on the application forms for public housing in the state, and it shall be displayed in the office where such application is made.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-715 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 18 / Section 33-715
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-715
Status: in_force

The corporation is not created or organized, and its operations shall not be conducted, for the purpose of making a profit. No part of the revenues or assets of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its directors or officers or other private persons, except as otherwise provided in this article.

Directors of the corporation shall serve without compensation; provided that all members, except ex officio members, shall receive the per diem established in Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972 , for their attendance at meetings; and all directors shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for any actual and reasonable expenses incurred as a necessary incident to service on the corporation, including mileage, as provided in Section 25-3-41, Mississippi Code of 1972 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-701 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 30 / Section 33-701
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-701
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Home Corporation Act.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-111 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 6-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-111
Status: in_force

Floors shall wherever practicable have a surface that is nonslip. Floors on the same story shall be of a common level throughout or be connected by a ramp in accord with Section 43-6-107 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-16 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 27-16
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-16
Status: in_force

The Department of Youth Services is authorized to request from any and all existing agencies, departments, divisions, officers, employees, boards, bureaus, commissions and institutions of the State of Mississippi, or any political subdivision thereof, information, data and assistance as will enable the department to fulfill its duties hereunder, and all such agencies, departments, divisions, officers, employees, boards, bureaus, commissions and institutions of the State of Mississippi and its political subdivisions are hereby directed to cooperate with the department and render such information, data, aid and assistance as may be requested by the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-115 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 33-115
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-115
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of each county included in a regional housing authority shall appoint one (1) person as a commissioner of such authority, and each such commissioner to be first appointed by the board of supervisors of a county may be appointed at or after the time of the adoption of the resolution declaring the need for such regional housing authority or declaring the need for the inclusion of such county in the area of operation of such regional housing authority. When the area of operation of a regional housing authority is increased to include an additional county or counties as provided above, the board of supervisors of each such county shall thereupon appoint one (1) additional person as a commissioner of the regional housing authority. The board of supervisors of each county shall appoint the successor of the commissioner appointed by it. A certificate of the appointment of any such commissioner shall be filed with the clerk of the county, and such certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the due and proper appointment of such commissioner. If any county is excluded from the area of operation of a regional housing authority, the office of the commissioner of such regional housing authority appointed by the board of supervisors of such county shall be thereupon abolished.

If the area of operation of a regional housing authority consists at any time of an even number of counties, the commissioners of the regional housing authority appointed by the boards of supervisors of such counties shall appoint one (1) additional commissioner whose term of office shall be as herein provided for a commissioner of a regional housing authority except that such term shall end at any earlier time that the area of operation of the regional housing authority shall be changed to consist of an odd number of counties. The commissioners of such authority appointed by the boards of supervisors of such counties shall likewise appoint each person to succeed such additional commissioner; the term of office of such person begins during the terms of office of the commissioner appointing him. A certificate of the appointment of any such additional commissioner of such regional housing authority shall be filed with the other records of the regional housing authority and shall be conclusive evidence of the due and proper appointment of such additional commissioner.

At least one (1) commissioner of a regional housing authority must be a person who is directly assisted by the authority if required under applicable federal law.

The commissioners of a regional housing authority shall be appointed for terms of five (5) years except that all vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms. Each commissioner shall hold office until his successor has been appointed and has qualified, except as otherwise provided herein.

The commissioners shall constitute the regional housing authority, and the powers of such authority shall be vested in such commissioners in office from time to time.

The commissioners of a regional housing authority shall elect a chairman from among the commissioners and shall have power to select or employ such other officers and employees as the regional housing authority may require. A majority of the commissioners of a regional housing authority shall constitute a quorum of such authority for the purpose of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes. In the event that a directly assisted commissioner ceases to be directly assisted by the authority for which he/she serves as commissioner, said person shall then become disqualified to serve that authority as a directly assisted commissioner and shall be replaced as commissioner by a person who is directly assisted by the authority if federal law then requires that authority to have a directly assisted commissioner.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-555 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 21-555
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-555
Status: in_force

Under no circumstances shall the party or the prosecutor engage in discussion for the purpose of agreeing to exchange concessions by the prosecutor for the party's admission to the petition.