Miss. Code Ann. § 43-9-15 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-9-15
Status: in_force

Upon completion of the investigation, the county department shall determine in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state department, whether the applicant is eligible for assistance under the provisions of this chapter, the amount of assistance he shall receive, and the date upon which such assistance shall begin. All checks for such assistance shall be mailed by the state department or county welfare office to the recipients at their postoffice address. The director of the state department shall determine whether such checks shall be mailed by the state department or by the county welfare office.

It shall be the duty of the state department insofar as is practicable to provide assistance to eligible persons, who, due to limitations of available funds have not been placed upon the assistance rolls, as soon as practicable after additional funds become available to the department and prior to making a general increase in assistance grants to persons already on said assistance rolls. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to bar or limit any county department of public welfare from granting individual increases in the amount of assistance to recipients based upon their individual needs. The state department shall, as soon as made possible by the availability of additional funds, take steps to eliminate all waiting lists. The state department or the office of public welfare of the various counties shall notify each applicant concerning the action taken on his or her application for assistance, and if the application for assistance is denied, the applicant shall be notified and given the reasons for such denial, and the lack of money shall not constitute a reason for such denial.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-3 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 15-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-15-3
Status: in_force

The Department of Human Services and the Department of Child Protection Services are authorized, empowered and directed to cooperate fully with the United States Children's Bureau and Secretary of Labor in establishing, extending and strengthening “child welfare services” for the protection and care of homeless, dependent and neglected children and children in danger of becoming delinquent. Those departments are further authorized, empowered and directed to cooperate with the United States Children's Bureau and Secretary of Labor in developing plans for those “child welfare services” and extending any other cooperation necessary under Section 521 of Public Law No. 271-74 th Congress of the United States.

In furtherance of the “child welfare services” referred to in the first paragraph hereof the State Treasurer is authorized and directed to receive on behalf of the state, and to execute all instruments incidental thereto, federal or other funds to be used for “child welfare services,” and to place such funds in a special account to the credit of the “child welfare services,” which funds shall be expended by the Department of Human Services and the Department of Child Protection Services for the purposes and under the provisions of this article and Section 521 of Public Law No. 271-74 th Congress of the United States. It shall be paid out by the State Treasurer as funds appropriated to carry out the provisions of those laws.

The Department of Human Services or the Department of Child Protection Services shall issue all checks on the “child welfare services” fund to persons entitled to payment from the fund. All such sums shall be drawn upon the “child welfare services” fund upon requisition of the Director of the Department of Human Services or the Commissioner of Child Protection Services.

The money in the “child welfare services” fund shall be expended in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Children's Bureau and Secretary of Labor and in accordance with the plan developed by the Department of Human Services or Department of Child Protection Services and the United States Children's Bureau under Section 521 of Public Law No. 271-74 th Congress of the United States, and shall not be used for any other purpose.

If a claim for foster care and/or adoption assistance under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act is not acted upon within a reasonable time after the filing of the claim, or is denied in whole or in part, the claimant may appeal to the Commissioner of Child Protection Services in the manner and form prescribed by the Department of Child Protection Services. The Commissioner of Child Protection Services shall, upon receipt of such an appeal, give the claimant reasonable notice and opportunity for a fair hearing. The Commissioner of Child Protection Services may also, upon his or her own motion, review any decision regarding a claim, and may consider any claim upon which a decision has not been made within a reasonable time. All decisions of the Commissioner of Child Protection Services shall be final and binding.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-207 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 16 / Section 21-207
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-207
Status: in_force

(1) No statements, admissions or confessions made by or incriminatory information obtained from a child in the course of a screening or assessment that is undertaken in conjunction with any proceedings under this chapter, including, but not limited to, that which is court-ordered, shall be admitted into evidence against the child on the issue of whether the child committed a delinquent act under the Youth Court Act or on the issue of guilt in any criminal proceedings.

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section are in addition to and do not override any existing statutory and constitutional prohibition on the admission into evidence in delinquency or criminal proceedings of information obtained during screening, assessment or treatment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-59-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 59-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-59-1
Status: in_force

It is declared to be the public policy of this state to encourage, promote and foster the success and well-being of its citizens and to offer unobstructed access to such opportunities as exist in order that all Mississippians may realize the quality of life for their families to which they aspire. It is a higher public purpose of state government to ensure that no individual is denied the opportunity to succeed and make positive contributions to Mississippi's quality of life because of gender. It is the intent and purpose of this chapter to create a Commission on the Status of Women.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-861 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 18 / Section 21-861
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-861
Status: in_force

(1) CASA volunteers who have a conflict of interest in a case may not be appointed to the case.

(2) The CASA volunteer shall:

(a) Attend all court hearings, except that the CASA volunteer may be excused by the court or the program director if emergency circumstances arise;

(b) Submit no less than one (1) written report and recommendation to the judge every six (6) months for consideration in determining the best interest of the child at the dispositional hearing, dispositional review hearings, and other hearings as requested by the court for as long as the case is assigned to the CASA volunteer;

(c) Monitor the case by visiting the child as often as necessary to observe whether the child's essential needs are being met and whether court orders actually are being carried out;

(d) Participate in any medical treatment planning conferences and educational reviews involving the child to assess whether reasonable efforts are being made to provide services to the child and family and determine the appropriateness and progress of the child's permanent plan;

(e) Advocate a prompt, thorough review of the case if the child's circumstances warrant the attention of the court;

(f) Interview parties involved in the case, including interviewing and observing the child;

(g) Maintain complete written records about the case;

(h) Report any incidents of child or adult abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities and to the program director;

(i) Remain actively involved in the case until dismissed from the case by the program director or judge with competent jurisdiction or when an adoption proceeding is finalized;

(j) Return all case-related materials including, but not limited to, written notes, court reports and agency documents to the program director upon the request of the program director.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-153 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 21-153
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-153
Status: in_force

(1) The youth court shall have full power and authority to issue all writs and processes including injunctions necessary to the exercise of jurisdiction and to carrying out the purpose of this chapter.

(2) Any person who wilfully violates, neglects or refuses to obey, perform or comply with any order of the youth court shall be in contempt of court and punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in jail not to exceed ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-11-15 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-11-15
Status: in_force

Any institution for the aged or infirm which is in operation at the time of promulgation of any applicable rules or regulations or minimum standards under this chapter shall be given a reasonable time, under the particular circumstances not to exceed one (1) year from the date of such promulgation, within which to comply with such rules and regulations and minimum standards.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-3 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 28 / Section 55-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-3
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Commission for National and Community Service, established by Executive Order No. 1994-742, is hereby designated as the State Commission for Volunteer Service within the institutions of higher learning, established to encourage community service and volunteer participation as a means of community and state problem-solving; to promote and support voluntary citizen involvement in government and private programs throughout the state; to provide a means by which the state may develop a coordinated, unified plan in response to the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993; to develop a long-term, comprehensive vision and plan of action for community service initiatives in Mississippi primarily focused in the areas of education, public safety, human needs and the environment; and to serve as the state's liaison to national and state organizations that support its mission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-553 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 21-553
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-553
Status: in_force

At any time after the petition has been filed, all parties to the cause may appear before the judge and admit the allegations of the petition. The judge may accept this admission as proof of the allegations if the judge finds that:

(a) the parties making the admission fully understand their rights and fully understand the potential consequences of their admission to the allegations;

(b) the parties making the admission voluntarily, intelligently and knowingly admit to all facts necessary to constitute a basis for court action under this chapter;

(c) the parties making the admission have not in the reported admission to the allegation set forth facts that, if found to be true, constitute a defense to the allegation; and

(d) the child making the admission is effectively represented by counsel.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-19 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 43 / Section 55-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-19
Status: in_force

The commission shall comply with all requirements of federal law, including but not limited to requirements of coordination with other state agencies or with volunteer service programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-27 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 29-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-27
Status: in_force

All assistance granted under this chapter shall be deemed to be granted and to be held subject to the provisions of any amending or repealing act that may be hereafter passed, and no recipient shall have any claim for compensation, or otherwise, by reason of his assistance being affected in any way by amending or repealing chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-505 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 18 / 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. § 43-11-21 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / 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. § 43-47-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 43 / 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. § 43-21-313 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 21-313
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-313
Status: in_force

(1) A child held in custody under order of the youth court shall be released upon a finding that a change of circumstances makes continued custody unnecessary.

(2) A written request for the release of the child from custody, setting forth the changed circumstances, may be filed by the child; by the child's parent, guardian or custodian; by the child's counsel; or by the child's guardian ad litem, if any.

(3) Based upon the facts stated in the request, the judge may direct that a hearing be held at a date, time and place as fixed by the youth court. Reasonable notice of the hearing shall be given to the child; his parent, guardian or custodian; his counsel; and his guardian ad litem, if any, prior to the hearing. At the hearing, upon receiving evidence, the youth court may grant or deny the request.

(4) A child held in custody in violation of Section 43-21-301(6) shall be immediately transferred to a proper juvenile facility.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-787 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 33-787
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-787
Status: in_force

All bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 43-33-767 through 43-33-797 shall be legal investments for trustees and other fiduciaries, and for savings banks, trust companies and insurance companies organized under the laws of the State of Mississippi, and such bonds shall be legal securities which may be deposited with and shall be received by all public officers and bodies of this state and all municipalities and political subdivisions for the purpose of securing the deposit of public funds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-45 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / Section 19-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-45
Status: in_force

(1) The Child Support Unit shall establish a state parent locator service for the purpose of locating absent and nonsupporting parents and alleged parents, which will utilize all appropriate public and private locator sources. In order to carry out the responsibilities imposed under Sections 43-19-31 through 43-19-53 , the Child Support Unit may secure, by administrative subpoena from the customer records of public utilities and cable television companies, the names and addresses of individuals and the names and addresses of employers of such individuals that would enable the location of parents or alleged parents who have a duty to provide support and maintenance for their children. The Child Support Unit may also administratively subpoena any and all financial information, including account numbers, names and social security numbers of record for assets, accounts, and account balances from any individual, financial institution, business or other entity, public or private, needed to establish, modify or enforce a support order. No entity complying with an administrative subpoena to supply the requested information of whatever nature shall be liable in any civil action or proceeding on account of such compliance. Full faith and credit shall be given to all uniform administrative subpoenas issued by other state child support units. The recipient of an administrative subpoena shall supply the Child Support Unit, other state and federal IV-D agencies, its attorneys, investigators, probation officers, county or district attorneys in this state, all information relative to the location, employment, employment-related benefits including, but not limited to, availability of medical insurance, income and property of such parents and alleged parents and with all information on hand relative to the location and prosecution of any person who has, by means of a false statement or misrepresentation or by impersonation or other fraudulent device, obtained Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to which he or she was not entitled, notwithstanding any provision of law making such information confidential. The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services and any other agency in this state using the facilities of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services are directed to permit the Child Support Unit access to their files, inclusive of those maintained for other state agencies, for the purpose of locating absent and nonsupporting parents and alleged parents, except to the extent that any such access would violate any valid federal statute or regulation issued pursuant thereto. The Child Support Unit, other state and federal IV-D agencies, its attorneys, investigators, probation officers, or county or district attorneys, shall use such information only for the purpose of investigating or enforcing the support liability of such absent parents or alleged parents or for the prosecution of other persons mentioned herein. Neither the Child Support Unit nor those authorities shall use the information, or disclose it, for any other purpose. All records maintained pursuant to the provisions of Sections 43-19-31 through 43-19-53 shall be confidential and shall be available only to the Child Support Unit, other state and federal IV-D agencies, the attorneys, investigators and other staff employed or under contract under Sections 43-19-31 through 43-19-53 , district or county attorneys, probation departments, child support units in other states, and courts having jurisdiction in paternity, support or abandonment proceedings. The Child Support Unit may release to the public the name, photo, last-known address, arrearage amount and other necessary information of a parent who has a judgment against him for child support and is currently in arrears in the payment of this support. Such release may be included in a “Most Wanted List” or other media in order to solicit assistance.

(2) The Child Support Unit shall have the authority to secure information from the records of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security that may be necessary to locate absent and nonsupporting parents and alleged parents under the provisions of Sections 43-19-31 through 43-19-53 . Upon request of the Child Support Unit, all departments, boards, bureaus and agencies of the state shall provide to the Child Support Unit verification of employment or payment and the address and social security number of any person designated as an absent or nonsupporting parent or alleged parent. In addition, upon request of the Child Support Unit, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, or any private employer or payor of any income to a person designated as an absent or nonsupporting parent or alleged parent, shall provide to the Child Support Unit verification of employment or payment and the address and social security number of the person so designated. Full faith and credit shall be given to such notices issued by child support units in other states. All such records and information shall be confidential and shall not be used for any purposes other than those specified by Sections 43-19-31 through 43-19-53 . The violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be unlawful and any person convicted of violating the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall pay a fine of not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00).

(3) Federal and state IV-D agencies shall have access to the state parent locator service and any system used by the Child Support Unit to locate an individual for purposes relating to motor vehicles or law enforcement. No employer or other source of income who complies with this section shall be liable in any civil action or proceeding brought by the obligor or obligee on account of such compliance.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-453 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Section 21-453
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-453
Status: in_force

The petition shall be entitled “IN THE INTEREST OF __________.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-123 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 33-123
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-123
Status: in_force

“Farmers of low income” as used in this article shall mean persons or families who (1) derive their principal income from operating or working upon a farm; (2) whose average net income is less than the amount which is necessary (as determined by the authority operating in that area) to enable them, without financial assistance, to obtain or provide themselves with decent, safe and sanitary housing.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-501 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 35-501
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-501
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Community Development Law.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-7 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / 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. § 43-21-257 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 21-257
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-257
Status: in_force

(1) Unless otherwise provided in this section, any record involving children, including valid and invalid complaints, and the contents thereof maintained by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Child Protection Services, or any other state agency, shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed except as provided in Section 43-21-261 .

(2) The Office of Youth Services shall maintain a state central registry containing the number and disposition of all cases together with such other useful information regarding those cases as may be requested and is obtainable from the records of the youth court. The Office of Youth Services shall annually publish a statistical record of the number and disposition of all cases, but the names or identity of any children shall not be disclosed in the reports or records. The Office of Youth Services shall adopt such rules as may be necessary to carry out this subsection. The central registry files and the contents thereof shall be confidential and shall not be open to public inspection. Any person who discloses or encourages the disclosure of any record involving children from the central registry shall be subject to the penalty in Section 43-21-267 . The youth court shall furnish, upon forms provided by the Office of Youth Services, the necessary information, and these completed forms shall be forwarded to the Office of Youth Services. The Department of Human Services and its employees are exempt from any civil liability as a result of any action taken pursuant to the compilation or release of information on the central registry under this section and any other applicable section of this code, unless determined that an employee has willfully and maliciously violated the rules and administrative procedures of the department pertaining to the central registry or any section of this code. If an employee is determined to have willfully and maliciously performed such a violation, said employee shall not be exempt from civil liability in this regard.

(3) The Department of Child Protection Services shall maintain a state central registry on neglect and abuse cases containing (a) the name, address and age of each child, (b) the nature of the harm reported, (c) the name and address of the person responsible for the care of the child, and (d) the name and address of the substantiated perpetrator of the harm reported. “Substantiated perpetrator” shall be defined as an individual who has committed an act(s) of sexual abuse or physical abuse that would otherwise be deemed as a felony or any child neglect that would be deemed as a threat to life. A name is to be added to the registry only based upon a criminal conviction or an adjudication by a youth court judge or court of competent jurisdiction, ordering that the name of the perpetrator be listed on the central registry. The central registry shall be confidential and shall not be open to public inspection. Any person who discloses or encourages the disclosure of any record involving children from the central registry without following the rules and administrative procedures of the department shall be subject to the penalty in Section 43-21-267 . The Department of Child Protection Services and its employees are exempt from any civil liability as a result of any action taken pursuant to the compilation or release of information on the central registry under this section and any other applicable section of this code, unless determined that an employee has willfully and maliciously violated the rules and administrative procedures of the department pertaining to the central registry or any section of this code. If an employee is determined to have willfully and maliciously performed such a violation, said employee shall not be exempt from civil liability in this regard.

(4) The Mississippi State Department of Health may release the findings of investigations into allegations of abuse within licensed day care centers made under the provisions of Section 43-21-353(8) to any parent of a child who is enrolled in the day care center at the time of the alleged abuse or at the time the request for information is made. The findings of any such investigation may also be released to parents who are considering placing children in the day care center. No information concerning those investigations may contain the names or identifying information of individual children.

The Department of Health shall not be held civilly liable for the release of information on any findings, recommendations or actions taken pursuant to investigations of abuse that have been conducted under Section 43-21-353(8) .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-201 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 27-201
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-201
Status: in_force

(1) The purpose of this section is to outline and structure a long-range proposal in addition to certain immediate objectives for improvements in the juvenile facilities of the Division of Youth Services of the Mississippi Department of Human Services in order to provide modern and efficient rehabilitation facilities for juvenile offenders in Mississippi, who are committing an increasing percentage of serious and violent crimes.

(2) The Division of Youth Services shall establish, maintain and operate an Adolescent Opportunity Program (AOP) throughout the state, which may include non-Medicaid assistance eligible juveniles. Beginning July 1, 2016, subject to availability of funds appropriated therefor by the Legislature, AOP professional services, salaries, facility offices, meeting rooms and related supplies and equipment may be provided through contract with local mental health or other nonprofit community organizations. Each AOP must incorporate evidence-based practices and positive behavioral intervention that includes two (2) or more of the following elements: academic, tutoring, literacy, mentoring, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, family counseling and anger management. Programs may include, but shall not be limited to, after school and weekend programs, job readiness programs, home detention programs, community service conflict resolution programs, restitution and community service.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-201 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 6-201
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-201
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Legislature finds that the benefits of meaningful work have significance and importance to all working-age persons, including persons with disabilities. In order to achieve meaningful and competitive employment for persons with disabilities, employment opportunities in fully integrated work settings shall be, to the extent practicable, the first and priority option explored in planning and providing services and supports for working-age persons with disabilities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-53-3 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 53 / Section 53-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-53-3
Status: in_force

(1) Establishment of the council. There is hereby established within the Office of the Governor the Mississippi Leadership Council on Aging, hereafter in this chapter the “council.”

(2) Membership of the council:

(a) The council shall consist of a representative of the Department of Public Safety to be appointed by the Commissioner of Public Safety;

(b) Two (2) representatives of the Mississippi Sheriff's Association, to be elected by the Sheriff's Association;

(c) Two (2) representatives of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police, to be elected by the Association of Chiefs of Police;

(d) One (1) representative of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, to be appointed by the Executive Director of the Department of Human Services;

(e) Two (2) representatives of the American Association of Retired Persons, to be elected by Mississippi AARP Executive Committee;

(f) Two (2) representatives from community volunteer councils on aging, to be appointed by the Office of the Governor;

(g) One (1) representative from the Office of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention Unit, to be appointed by the Attorney General; and

(h) Two (2) representatives from the aging advocate network, to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

(3) In the performance of its functions, the council shall, to the extent possible, solicit the participation and involvement of retired law enforcement personnel.

(4) The council shall elect a chairperson by a majority vote of the membership.

(5) Members of the council shall serve until the appropriately designated person in each representative organization selects another representative, and all persons on the council shall be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

(6) Membership on the council shall not constitute the holding of a public office, and members of the council shall not be required to take and file oaths of office before serving on the committee.

(7) The members of the committee shall receive no compensation for their services as members.

(8) No member of the council shall be disqualified from holding any public office or employment nor shall any member forfeit any employment or office by reason of his membership on the council.

(9) The council shall meet as often as deemed necessary, but in no event less than four (4) times annually. The chairman shall call the first meeting of the council no later than October 1996. A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum for conducting business.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-17-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Section 17-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-17-1
Status: in_force

(1) The State of Mississippi hereby accepts all of the mandatory provisions and benefits, with the exception of those provisions under which the state may exercise its options, of Title I of an act passed by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, entitled: “The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104-193 ),” and known as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

(2) The Department of Human Services shall have all necessary authority to cooperate with the federal government in the administration of Public Law 104-193 and all subsequent federal amendments thereto, to administer any legislation pursuant thereto enacted by the State of Mississippi, and to administer the funds provided by the federal government and the State of Mississippi under the provisions of Section 43-17-1 et seq. , for providing temporary assistance for needy families with minor children. The Department of Human Services shall have full authority to formulate state plans consistent with state law as necessary to administer and operate federal grant funds which provide temporary assistance for needy families with minor children under Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act. The Department of Human Services shall identify in any state plan submitted to implement the TANF program those requirements or restrictions, including persons excluded from program participation which are required under federal law, and those program requirements or restrictions which the federal law authorizes but does not require.

(3) Any funds received by the State of Mississippi under the provisions of Public Law 104-193 shall be subject to appropriation by the Legislature and consistent with the terms and conditions required under such appropriation.

(4) The purpose of the Mississippi Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program shall be to:

(a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives when such care is beneficial and may be monitored on a random basis by the Department of Human Services or the State Department of Health;

(b) End the dependence of needy families on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage through, among other things, job placement, job training and job retention;

(c) Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies;

(d) Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families; and

(e) Prevent program fraud and abuse.

(5) The Department of Human Services shall develop outcome and output indicators for each program established under the authority of this section. These measures shall provide legislators and administrators with information which measures the success or failure of the department in implementing the programs implemented under the authority of this section. The department shall annually report to the Legislature the outputs and outcomes of these programs, with the first report due by December 15, 1997. Such reports shall include recommendations for making programs more effective or efficient which can be effected in accordance with federal law.

(6) Assistance may be granted under this chapter to any dependent child and a caretaker relative who are living in a suitable family home meeting the standards of care and health and work requirements fixed by the laws of this state, and the rules and regulations of the State Department of Human Services.

(7) The Department of Human Services shall collaborate with the Office of Workforce Development on TANF programs related to job placement, job training and job retention.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-25-101 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 15 / Section 25-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-25-101
Status: in_force

The Governor, on behalf of this state, may execute a compact in substantially the following form, and the Legislature signifies in advance its approval and ratification of the compact:

The compacting states to this Interstate Compact recognize that each state is responsible for the proper supervision or return of juveniles, delinquents and status offenders who are on probation or parole and who have absconded, escaped or run away from supervision and control and in so doing have endangered their own safety and the safety of others. The compacting states also recognize that each state is responsible for the safe return of juveniles who have run away from home and in doing so have left their state of residence. The compacting states also recognize that Congress, by enacting the Crime Control Act, 4 USCS Section 112 (1965) , has authorized and encouraged compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in the prevention of crime.

It is the purpose of this compact, through means of joint and cooperative action among the compacting states to:

(a) Ensure that the adjudicated juveniles and status offenders subject to this compact are provided adequate supervision and services in the receiving state as ordered by the adjudicating judge or parole authority in the sending state;

(b) Ensure that the public safety interests of the citizens, including the victims of juvenile offenders, in both the sending and receiving states are adequately protected.

(c) Return juveniles who have run away, absconded or escaped from supervision or control or have been accused of an offense to the state requesting their return;

(d) Make contracts for the cooperative institutionalization in public facilities in member states for delinquent youth needing special services;

(e) Provide for the effective tracking and supervision of juveniles;

(f) Equitably allocate the costs, benefits and obligations of the compacting states;

(g) Establish procedures to manage the movement between states of juvenile offenders released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, juvenile departments, or any other criminal or juvenile justice agency that has jurisdiction over juvenile offenders;

(h) Ensure immediate notice to jurisdictions where defined offenders are authorized to travel or to relocate across state lines;

(i) Establish procedures to resolve pending charges (detainers) against juvenile offenders before transfer or release to the community under the terms of this compact.

(j) Establish a system of uniform data collection on information pertaining to juveniles subject to this compact that allows access by authorized juvenile justice and criminal justice officials, and regular reporting of compact activities to heads of state, executive, judicial, and legislative branches and juvenile and criminal justice administrators;

(k) Monitor compliance with rules governing interstate movement of juveniles and initiate interventions to address and correct noncompliance;

(l) Coordinate training and education regarding the regulation of interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in that activity; and

(m) Coordinate the implementation and operation of the compact with the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision and other compacts affecting juveniles particularly in those cases where concurrent or overlapping supervision issues arise.

It is the policy of the compacting states that the activities conducted by the Interstate Commission created by this compact are the formation of public policies and therefore are public business. Furthermore, the compacting states shall cooperate and observe their individual and collective duties and responsibilities for the prompt return and acceptance of juveniles subject to the provisions of this compact. The provisions of this compact shall be reasonably and liberally construed to accomplish the purposes and policies of the compact.

As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:

(a) “ Bylaws ” means those bylaws established by the Interstate Commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling its actions or conduct.

(b) “ Compact administrator ” means the individual in each compacting state appointed under the terms of this compact, responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission and policies adopted by the State Council under this compact.

(c) “ Compacting state ” means any state that has enacted the enabling legislation for this compact.

(d) “ Commissioner ” means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to Article III of this compact.

(e) “ Court ” means any court having jurisdiction over delinquent, neglected or dependent children.

(f) “ Deputy compact administrator ” means the individual, if any, in each compacting state appointed to act on behalf of a compact administrator under the terms of this compact responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission and policies adopted by the State Council under this compact.

(g) “ Interstate Commission ” means the Interstate Commission for Juveniles created by Article III of this compact.

(h) “ Juvenile ” means any person defined as a juvenile in any member state or by the rules of the Interstate Commission, including:

(i) Accused delinquent, which is a person charged with an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense;

(ii) Adjudicated delinquent, which is a person found to have committed an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense;

(iii) Accused status offender, which is a person charged with an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult;

(iv) Adjudicated status offender, which is a person found to have committed an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; and

(v) Nonoffender, which is a person in need of supervision who has not been accused or adjudicated a status offender or delinquent.

(i) “ Noncompacting state ” means any state that has not enacted the enabling legislation for this compact.

(j) “ Probation or parole ” means any kind of supervision or conditional release of juveniles authorized under the laws of the compacting states.

(k) “ Rules ” means a written statement by the Interstate Commission promulgated under Article VI of this compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a compacting state, and includes the amendment, repeal or suspension of an existing rule.

(l) “ State ” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia (or its designee), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas Islands.

(1) The compacting states create the “Interstate Commission for Juveniles.” The commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the compacting states. The commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers and duties set forth in this compact, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact.

(2) The Interstate Commission shall consist of commissioners appointed by the appropriate appointing authority in each state pursuant to the rules and requirements of each compacting state and in consultation with the State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision created under this compact. The commissioner shall be the compact administrator, deputy compact administrator or designee from that state who shall serve on the Interstate Commission in such capacity under the applicable law of the compacting state.

(3) In addition to the commissioners who are the voting representatives of each state, the Interstate Commission shall include individuals who are not commissioners, but who are members of interested organizations. Those noncommissioner members must include a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices, attorneys general, Interstate Compact for Adult Offender for Adult Offender Supervision, Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, juvenile justice and juvenile corrections officials and crime victims. All noncommissioner members of the Interstate Commission shall be ex officio nonvoting members. The Interstate Commission may provide in its bylaws for additional ex officio nonvoting members, including members of other national organizations, in such numbers as determined by the commission.

(4) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the commission is entitled to one (1) vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the Interstate Commission.

(5) The commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings and meetings shall be open to the public.

(6) The Interstate Commission shall establish an executive committee, which shall include commission officers, members and others as determined by the bylaws. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission during periods when the Interstate Commission is not in session, with the exception of rule making and/or amendment to the compact. The executive committee shall oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact managed by an executive director and Interstate Commission staff; administers enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules and performs such other duties as directed by the Interstate Commission or set forth in the bylaws.

(7) Each member of the Interstate Commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that compacting state is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission. A member shall vote in person and shall not delegate a vote to another compacting state. However, a commissioner, in consultation with the State Council, shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the commissioner from that state, to cast a vote on behalf of the compacting state at a specified meeting. The bylaws may provide for members' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication.

(8) The Interstate Commission's bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under which the Interstate Commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The Interstate Commission may exempt from disclosure any information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests.

(9) Public notice shall be given of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The Interstate Commission and any of its committees may close a meeting to the public where it determines by two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote that an open meeting would be likely to:

(a) Relate solely to the Interstate Commission's internal personnel practice and procedures;

(b) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute;

(c) Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

(d) Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;

(e) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

(f) Disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

(g) Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating or condition reports prepared by, or on behalf of or for the use of, the Interstate Commission with respect to a regulated person or entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of the person or entity;

(h) Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger the stability of a regulated person or entity; or

(i) Specifically relate to the Interstate Commission's issuance of a subpoena, or its participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding.

(10) For every meeting closed under this provision, the Interstate Commission's legal counsel shall publicly certify that, in the legal counsel's opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public, and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The Interstate Commission shall keep minutes that shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in any meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any roll call vote (reflected in the vote of each member on the question). All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in the minutes.

(11) The Interstate Commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate movement of juveniles as directed through its rules, which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection, data exchange and reporting requirements. Those methods of data collection, exchange and reporting shall, insofar as is reasonably possible, conform to up-to-date technology and coordinate its information functions with the appropriate repository of records.

The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states.

(b) To promulgate rules to effect the purposes and obligations as enumerated in this compact, which shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact.

(c) To oversee, supervise and coordinate the interstate movement of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact and any bylaws adopted and rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission.

(d) To enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission, and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including, but not limited to, the use of judicial process.

(e) To establish and maintain offices, which shall be located within one or more of the compacting states.

(f) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.

(g) To borrow, accept, hire or contract for services of personnel.

(h) To establish and appoint committees and hire staff that it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Article III, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties under this compact.

(i) To elect or appoint officers, attorneys, employees, agents or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Interstate Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, inter alia, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation and qualifications of personnel.

(j) To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of it.

(k) To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use any property, real, personal or mixed.

(l) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed.

(m) To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in Article VIII of this compact.

(n) To sue and be sued.

(o) To adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the Interstate Commission.

(p) To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact.

(q) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and State Councils of the compacting states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year. Those reports also shall include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission.

(r) To coordinate education, training and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in that activity.

(s) To establish uniform standards of the reporting, collecting and exchanging of data.

(t) To maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws.

(1) Bylaws . The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within twelve (12) months after the first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to:

(a) Establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission;

(b) Establishing an executive committee and such other committees as may be necessary;

(c) Providing for the establishment of committees governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Interstate Commission;

(d) Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Interstate Commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting;

(e) Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the Interstate Commission;

(f) Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the Interstate Commission and the return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and/or reserving of all of its debts and obligations;

(g) Providing “start-up” rules for initial administration of the compact; and

(h) Establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the compact.

(2) Officers and Staff .(a) The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson's absence or disability, the vice chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission; however, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission.

(b) The Interstate Commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Interstate Commission, but shall not be a member and shall hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission.

(3) Qualified Immunity, Defense and Indemnification .(a) The commission's executive director and employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property, personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of or relating to any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties or responsibilities; however, any such person shall not be protected from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person.

(b) The liability of any commissioner, or the employee of an agent of a commissioner, acting within the scope of the person's employment or duties for acts, errors or omissions occurring within the person's state, may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the Constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees and agents. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person.

(c) The Interstate Commission shall defend the executive director or the employees or representatives of the Interstate Commission and, subject to the approval of the attorney general of the state represented by any commissioner of a compacting state, shall defend the commissioner or the commissioner's representatives or employees in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the defendant has a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the person.

(d) The Interstate Commission shall indemnify and hold the commissioner of a compacting state, or the commissioner's representatives or employees or the Interstate Commission's representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against those persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that those persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such persons.

(1) The Interstate Commission shall promulgate and publish rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the compact.

(2) Rule making shall occur using the criteria set forth in this article and the bylaws and rules adopted under this article. That rule making shall substantially conform to the principles of the “Model State Administrative Procedures Act,” 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Volume 15, page 1 (2000), or such other administrative procedures act, as the Interstate Commission deems appropriate consistent with due process requirements under the United States Constitution as now or hereafter interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. All rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified, as published with the final version of the rule as approved by the commission.

(3) When promulgating a rule, the Interstate Commission shall, at a minimum:

(a) Publish the proposed rule's entire text stating the reason(s) for that proposed rule;

(b) Allow and invite any and all persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which information shall be added to the record, and be made publicly available;

(c) Provide an opportunity for an informal hearing if petitioned by ten (10) or more persons; and

(d) Promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on input from state or local officials, or interested parties.

(4) Allow not later than sixty (60) days after a rule is promulgated, any interested person to file a petition in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or in the Federal District Court where the Interstate Commission's principal office is located for judicial review of the rule. If the court finds that the Interstate Commission's action is not supported by substantial evidence in the rule-making record, the court shall hold the rule unlawful and set it aside. For purposes of this subsection, evidence is substantial if it would be considered substantial evidence under the Model State Administrative Procedures Act.

(5) If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule, those states may, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, cause that the rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.

(6) The existing rules governing the operation of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles superceded by this compact shall be null and void twelve (12) months after the first meeting of the Interstate Commission created under this compact.

(7) Upon determination by the Interstate Commission that a state of emergency exists, it may promulgate an emergency rule that shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that the usual rule-making procedures provided under this article retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the emergency rule.

(1) Oversight . (a) The Interstate Commission shall oversee the administration and operations of the interstate movement of juveniles subject to this compact in the compacting states and shall monitor those activities being administered in noncompacting states that may significantly affect compacting states.

(b) The courts and executive agencies in each compacting state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules promulgated under this compact shall be received by all the judges, public officers, commissions and departments of the state government as evidence of the authorized statute and administrative rules. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in a compacting state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact that may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Interstate Commission, it shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes.

(2) Dispute Resolution .(a) The compacting states shall report to the Interstate Commission on all issues and activities necessary for the administration of the compact, as well as issues and activities pertaining to compliance with the provisions of the compact and its bylaws and rules.

(b) The Interstate Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a compacting state, to resolve any disputes or other issues that are subject to the compact and that may arise among compacting states and between compacting and noncompacting states. The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes among the compacting states.

(c) The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact using any or all means set forth in Article XI of this compact.

(1) The Interstate Commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities.

(2) The Interstate Commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment from each compacting state to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate Commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate Commission, taking into consideration the population of each compacting state and the volume of interstate movement of juveniles in each compacting state, and shall promulgate a rule binding upon all compacting states which governs the assessment.

(3) The Interstate Commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind before securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Interstate Commission pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state.

(4) The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission.

Each member state shall create a State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision. While each state may determine the membership of its own State Council, its membership must include at least one (1) representative from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, victims groups, and the compact administrator or designee. Each compacting state retains the right to determine the qualifications of the compact administrator or deputy compact administrator. Each State Council will advise and may exercise oversight and advocacy concerning the state's participation in Interstate Commission activities and other duties as may be determined by that state, including, but not limited to, development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the compact within that state.

(1) Any state, the District of Columbia (or its designee), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas Islands as defined in Article II of this compact is eligible to become a compacting state.

(2) The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less that thirty-five (35) of the states. The initial effective date shall be the later of July 1, 2004, or upon enactment into law by the thirty-fifth jurisdiction. Thereafter, it shall become effective and binding as to any other compacting state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the Interstate Commission on a nonvoting basis before adoption of the compact by all states and territories of the United States.

(3) The Interstate Commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the compacting states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the compacting states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the compacting states.

(1) Withdrawal .(a) Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every compacting state; however, a compacting state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing the statute that enacted the compact into law.

(b) The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repeal.

(c) The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The Interstate Commission shall notify the other compacting states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty (60) days of its receipt thereof.

(d) The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.

(e) Reinstatement following withdrawal of any compacting state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate Commission.

(2) Technical Assistance, Fines, Suspension, Termination and Default .(a) If the Interstate Commission determines that any compacting state has at any time defaulted in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or duly promulgated rules, the Interstate Commission may impose any or all of the following penalties:

(i) Remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the Interstate Commission;

(ii) Alternative dispute resolution;

(iii) Fines, fees and costs in such amounts as are deemed to be reasonable as fixed by the Interstate Commission; and

(iv) Suspension or termination of membership in the compact, which shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance under the bylaws and rules have been exhausted and the Interstate Commission has therefore determined that the offending state is in default. Immediate notice of suspension shall be given by the Interstate Commission to the governor, the chief justice or the chief judicial officer of the state, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature and the State Council. The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a compacting state to perform the obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by this compact, the bylaws or duly promulgated rules and any other grounds designated in commission bylaws and rules. The Interstate Commission shall immediately notify the defaulting state in writing of the penalty imposed by the Interstate Commission and of the default pending a cure of the default. The commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the defaulting state must cure its default. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the commission, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination.

(b) Within sixty (60) days of the effective date of termination of a defaulting state, the commission shall notify the governor, the chief justice or the chief judicial officer, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and the State Council of that termination.

(c) The defaulting state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination including any obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination.

(d) The Interstate Commission shall not bear any costs relating to the defaulting state unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the Interstate Commission and the defaulting state.

(e) Reinstatement following termination of any compacting state requires both a reenactment of the compact by the defaulting state and the approval of the Interstate Commission pursuant to the rules.

(3) Judicial Enforcement . The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the Interstate Commission, in the federal district court where the Interstate Commission has its offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its duly promulgated rules and bylaws, against any compacting state in default. If judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of the litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees.

(4) Dissolution of Compact .(a) The compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the compacting state, which reduces membership in the compact to one (1) compacting state.

(b) Upon the dissolution of the compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be concluded and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.

(1) The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.

(2) The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.

(1) Other Laws .(a) Nothing in this compact prevents the enforcement of any other law of a compacting state that is not inconsistent with this compact.

(b) All compacting states' laws other than state constitutions and other interstate compacts conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

(2) Binding Effect of the Compact .(a) All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Interstate Commission, are binding upon the compacting states.

(b) All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the compacting states are binding in accordance with their terms.

(c) Upon the request of a party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation of Interstate Commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the compacting states, the Interstate Commission may issue advisory opinions regarding that meaning or interpretation.

(d) If any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any compacting state, the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by that provision upon the Interstate Commission shall be ineffective and those obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction shall remain in the compacting state and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which those obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this compact becomes effective.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-35 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-35
Status: in_force

(1) By currently or previously accepting public assistance or making application for child support services for and on behalf of a child or children, the recipient shall be deemed to have made an assignment to the State Department of Human Services of any and all rights and interests in any cause of action, past, present or future, that said recipient or the children may have against any parent failing to provide for the support and maintenance of said minor child or children; said department shall be subrogated to any and all rights, title and interest the recipient or the children may have against any and all property belonging to the absent or nonsupporting parent in the enforcement of any claim for child or spousal support, whether liquidated through court order or not. The recipient of Title IV-D services shall also be deemed, without the necessity of signing any document, to have appointed the State Department of Human Services to act in his or her, as well as the children's, name, place, and stead to perform the specific act of instituting suit to establish paternity or secure support, collecting any and all amounts due and owing for child or spousal support or any other service as required or permitted under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act, and endorsing any and all drafts, checks, money orders or other negotiable instruments representing child or spousal support payments which are received on behalf of the recipient or the children, and retaining any portion thereof permitted under federal and state statutes as reimbursement for public assistance monies previously paid to the recipient or children.

(2) Court orders of support for any child or children receiving services through Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act shall be amended, by operation of law, and without the necessity of a motion by the Child Support Unit and a hearing thereon to provide that the payment of support shall be directed by the absent parent to the Mississippi Department of Human Services Central Receipting and Disbursement Unit as provided in Section 43-19-37 and not to the recipient. The absent parent shall be notified of such amendment prior to it taking effect.

(3) Any attorney authorized by the state to initiate any action pursuant to Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act, including, but not limited to, any action initiated pursuant to Sections 43-19-31 et seq. and 93-25-1 et seq. shall be deemed to represent the interest of the State Department of Human Services exclusively; no attorney-client relationship shall exist between said attorney and any recipient of services pursuant to Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act for and on behalf of a child or children, regardless of the name in which the legal proceedings are initiated. Said attorney representing the state in a Title IV-D case is only authorized to appear and prosecute and/or defend issues of support and cannot in a Title IV-D case address or provide representation to the Title IV-D recipient on any other ancillary issues raised or presented in that action.

(4) Said assignment to the State Department of Human Services shall be free of any legal or equitable defense to the payment of child support that may accrue to any person legally liable for the support of any child or children receiving aid from the State Department of Human Services, as a result of the conduct of the person who is accepting public assistance for and on behalf of said child or children.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-41 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-19-41
Status: in_force

Any applicant or recipient who refuses to provide reasonable assistance to the local county department or to the child support unit established by the state department of public welfare in identifying and locating the absent parent of a dependent child or otherwise refuses to cooperate with the department in securing support or in establishing paternity shall be ineligible for aid to dependent children, shall not be considered a needy relative and shall not be entitled to receive or use any part of the aid in grant nor shall be eligible for medical assistance under the Mississippi Medical Assistance Act; provided, however, that aid for the support of the child of such applicant or recipient shall not be denied or terminated as a result of such refusal to provide assistance or cooperation, but that the department may provide aid to said child in the form of protective vendor payments.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-65 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 33-65
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-65
Status: in_force

Sections 43-33-61 and 43-33-63 may be referred to as the “Second Supplemental Housing Authorities Law.” The Housing Authorities Law, the Supplemental Housing Authorities Law and the Second Supplemental Housing Authorities Law may be referred to as the “Housing Authorities Law.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-37 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 35-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-37
Status: in_force

In so far as the provisions of this article are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, the provisions of this article shall be controlling. The powers conferred by this article shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to amend, repeal or supersede the provisions of the Public Utility Law of 1956, Sections 77-3-1 through 77-3-89, Mississippi Code of 1972 , nor to authorize the construction or operation of utility facilities where reasonably adequate services are being provided by an existing utility. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to authorize the taking of private property for any purpose other than necessary public use.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-123 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 6-123
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-123
Status: in_force

The State Board of Health shall be responsible for reviewing plans and specifications of the proposed building or improvements to determine whether the buildings referred to in Section 43-6-101 will be in compliance with this article. The board shall collect a fee from the state, county, municipality or other public agency proposing to contract for the construction, to cover the cost of such review. The fee shall be one-half of one percent ( 1 / 2 of 1%) of the estimated cost, with a maximum fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00), calculated and paid on the basis of the engineering estimate or architect's estimate of the total cost of the particular work or improvement, which estimate is to be furnished to the state board of health along with the plans and specifications.

The State Board of Health shall not require that those state-funded buildings in existence or presently under construction comply with this article, except as to entrance ramps to facilitate ingress and egress; however, all buildings affected by this article on which design contracts are awarded after July 1, 1972, shall comply with such specifications. The state board of health is hereby further authorized to promulgate any rules that, in its discretion, are necessary to perform the duties delegated it by this article.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-1
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of each county shall have the jurisdiction and power necessary and proper for the relief and support of the poor of its county, and it shall have control of the county home, and may employ a suitable person to take charge of the same. It shall see that the poor are properly treated; and it may provide nurses and physicians in such cases as it may deem proper, and purchase medicines, and payment therefor may be ordered out of the proper fund by warrant on the county treasurer.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-59-11 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 59-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-59-11
Status: in_force

There is created in the State Treasury a fund into which any public or private funds from any source shall be deposited for the support of the activities of the Commission on the Status of Women.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-261 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 21-261
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-261
Status: repealed

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, records involving children shall not be disclosed, other than to necessary staff or officials of the youth court, a guardian ad litem appointed to a child by the court, or a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer who may be assigned in a dependency, abuse or neglect case, except pursuant to an order of the youth court specifying the person or persons to whom the records may be disclosed, the extent of the records which may be disclosed and the purpose of the disclosure. Such court orders for disclosure shall be limited to those instances in which the youth court concludes, in its discretion, that disclosure is required for the best interests of the child, the public safety, the functioning of the youth court, or to identify a person who knowingly made a false allegation of child abuse or neglect, and then only to the following persons:

(a) The judge of another youth court or member of another youth court staff;

(b) The court of the parties in a child custody or adoption cause in another court;

(c) A judge of any other court or members of another court staff, including the chancery court that ordered a forensic interview;

(d) Representatives of a public or private agency providing supervision or having custody of the child under order of the youth court;

(e) Any person engaged in a bona fide research purpose, provided that no information identifying the subject of the records shall be made available to the researcher unless it is absolutely essential to the research purpose and the judge gives prior written approval, and the child, through his or her representative, gives permission to release the information;

(f) The Mississippi Department of Employment Security, or its duly authorized representatives, for the purpose of a child's enrollment into the Job Corps Training Program as authorized by Title IV of the Comprehensive Employment Training Act of 1973 ( 29 USCS Section 923 et seq. ). However, no records, reports, investigations or information derived therefrom pertaining to child abuse or neglect shall be disclosed;

(g) Any person pursuant to a finding by a judge of the youth court of compelling circumstances affecting the health, safety or well-being of a child and that such disclosure is in the best interests of the child or an adult who was formerly the subject of a youth court delinquency proceeding;

(h) A person who was the subject of a knowingly made false allegation of child abuse or neglect which has resulted in a conviction of a perpetrator in accordance with Section 97-35-47 or which allegation was referred by the Department of Child Protection Services to a prosecutor or law enforcement official in accordance with the provisions of Section 43-21-353(4) .

Law enforcement agencies may disclose information to the public concerning the taking of a child into custody for the commission of a delinquent act without the necessity of an order from the youth court. The information released shall not identify the child or his address unless the information involves a child convicted as an adult.

(2) Any records involving children which are disclosed under an order of the youth court or pursuant to the terms of this section and the contents thereof shall be kept confidential by the person or agency to whom the record is disclosed unless otherwise provided in the order. Any further disclosure of any records involving children shall be made only under an order of the youth court as provided in this section.

(3) Upon request, the parent, guardian or custodian of the child who is the subject of a youth court cause or any attorney for such parent, guardian or custodian, shall have the right to inspect any record, report or investigation relevant to a matter to be heard by a youth court, except that the identity of the reporter shall not be released, nor the name of any other person where the person or agency making the information available finds that disclosure of the information would be likely to endanger the life or safety of such person. The attorney for the parent, guardian or custodian of the child, upon request, shall be provided a copy of any record, report or investigation relevant to a matter to be heard by a youth court, but the identity of the reporter must be redacted and the name of any other person must also be redacted if the person or agency making the information available finds that disclosure of the information would be likely to endanger the life, safety or well-being of the person. A record provided to the attorney under this section must remain in the attorney's control and the attorney may not provide copies or access to another person or entity without prior consent of a court with appropriate jurisdiction.

(4) Upon request, the child who is the subject of a youth court cause shall have the right to have his counsel inspect and copy any record, report or investigation which is filed with the youth court or which is to be considered by the youth court at a hearing.

(5)(a) The youth court prosecutor or prosecutors, the county attorney, the district attorney, the youth court defender or defenders, or any attorney representing a child shall have the right to inspect and copy any law enforcement record involving children.

(b) The Department of Child Protection Services shall disclose to a county prosecuting attorney or district attorney any and all records resulting from an investigation into suspected child abuse or neglect when the case has been referred by the Department of Child Protection Services to the county prosecuting attorney or district attorney for criminal prosecution.

(c) Agency records made confidential under the provisions of this section may be disclosed to a court of competent jurisdiction.

(d) Records involving children shall be disclosed to the Division of Victim Compensation of the Office of the Attorney General upon the division's request without order of the youth court for purposes of determination of eligibility for victim compensation benefits.

(6) Information concerning an investigation into a report of child abuse or child neglect may be disclosed by the Department of Child Protection Services without order of the youth court to any attorney, physician, dentist, intern, resident, nurse, psychologist, social worker, family protection worker, family protection specialist, child caregiver, minister, law enforcement officer, or a public or private school employee making that report pursuant to Section 43-21-353(1) if the reporter has a continuing professional relationship with the child and a need for such information in order to protect or treat the child.

(7) Information concerning an investigation into a report of child abuse or child neglect may be disclosed without further order of the youth court to any interagency child abuse task force established in any county or municipality by order of the youth court of that county or municipality.

(8) Names and addresses of juveniles twice adjudicated as delinquent for an act which would be a felony if committed by an adult or for the unlawful possession of a firearm shall not be held confidential and shall be made available to the public.

(9) Names and addresses of juveniles adjudicated as delinquent for murder, manslaughter, burglary, arson, armed robbery, aggravated assault, any sex offense as defined in Section 45-33-23 , for any violation of Section 41-29-139(a)(1) or for any violation of Section 63-11-30 , shall not be held confidential and shall be made available to the public.

(10) The judges of the circuit and county courts, and presentence investigators for the circuit courts, as provided in Section 47-7-9 , shall have the right to inspect any youth court records of a person convicted of a crime for sentencing purposes only.

(11) The victim of an offense committed by a child who is the subject of a youth court cause shall have the right to be informed of the child's disposition by the youth court.

(12) A classification hearing officer of the State Department of Corrections, as provided in Section 47-5-103 , shall have the right to inspect any youth court records, excluding abuse and neglect records, of any offender in the custody of the department who as a child or minor was a juvenile offender or was the subject of a youth court cause of action, and the State Parole Board, as provided in Section 47-7-17 , shall have the right to inspect such records when the offender becomes eligible for parole.

(13) The youth court shall notify the Department of Public Safety of the name, and any other identifying information such department may require, of any child who is adjudicated delinquent as a result of a violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law.

(14) The Administrative Office of Courts shall have the right to inspect any youth court records in order that the number of youthful offenders, abused, neglected, truant and dependent children, as well as children in need of special care and children in need of supervision, may be tracked with specificity through the youth court and adult justice system, and to utilize tracking forms for such purpose.

(15) Upon a request by a youth court, the Administrative Office of Courts shall disclose all information at its disposal concerning any previous youth court intakes alleging that a child was a delinquent child, child in need of supervision, child in need of special care, truant child, abused child or neglected child, as well as any previous youth court adjudications for the same and all dispositional information concerning a child who at the time of such request comes under the jurisdiction of the youth court making such request.

(16) The Administrative Office of Courts may, in its discretion, disclose to the Department of Public Safety any or all of the information involving children contained in the office's youth court data management system known as Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System or “MYCIDS.”

(17) The youth courts of the state shall disclose to the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) any youth court records in order that the number of youthful offenders, abused, neglected, truant and dependent children, as well as children in need of special care and children in need of supervision, may be tracked with specificity through the youth court and adult justice system, and to utilize tracking forms for such purpose. The disclosure prescribed in this subsection shall not require a court order and shall be made in sortable, electronic format where possible. The PEER Committee may seek the assistance of the Administrative Office of Courts in seeking this information. The PEER Committee shall not disclose the identities of any youth who have been adjudicated in the youth courts of the state and shall only use the disclosed information for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of programs established to assist adjudicated youth, and to ascertain the incidence of adjudicated youth who become adult offenders.

(18) In every case where an abuse or neglect allegation has been made, the confidentiality provisions of this section shall not apply to prohibit access to a child's records by any state regulatory agency, any state or local prosecutorial agency or law enforcement agency; however, no identifying information concerning the child in question may be released to the public by such agency except as otherwise provided herein.

(19) In every case of child abuse or neglect, if a child's physical condition is medically labeled as medically “serious” or “critical” or a child dies, the confidentiality provisions of this section shall not apply. In such cases, the following information may be released by the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services: the cause of the circumstances regarding the fatality or medically serious or critical physical condition; the age and gender of the child; information describing any previous reports of child abuse or neglect investigations that are pertinent to the child abuse or neglect that led to the fatality or medically serious or critical physical condition; the result of any such investigations; and the services provided by and actions of the state on behalf of the child that are pertinent to the child abuse or neglect that led to the fatality or medically serious or critical physical condition.

(20) Any member of a foster care review board designated by the Department of Child Protection Services shall have the right to inspect youth court records relating to the abuse, neglect or child in need of supervision cases assigned to such member for review.

(21) Information concerning an investigation into a report of child abuse or child neglect may be disclosed without further order of the youth court in any administrative or due process hearing held, pursuant to Section 43-21-257 , by the Department of Child Protection Services for individuals whose names will be placed on the central registry as substantiated perpetrators.

(22) The Department of Child Protection Services may disclose records involving children to the following:

(a) A foster home, residential child-caring agency or child-placing agency to the extent necessary to provide such care and services to a child;

(b) An individual, agency or organization that provides services to a child or the child's family in furtherance of the child's permanency plan to the extent necessary in providing those services;

(c) Health and mental health care providers of a child to the extent necessary for the provider to properly treat and care for the child;

(d) An educational institution or educational services provider where the child is enrolled or where enrollment is anticipated to the extent necessary for the school to provide appropriate services to the child;

(e) Any state agency or board that administers student financial assistance programs. However, any records request under this paragraph shall be initiated by the agency or board for the purpose determining the child's eligibility for student financial assistance, and any disclosure shall be limited to the verification of the child's age during the period of time in which the child was in the department's legal custody; and

(f) Any other state agency if the disclosure is necessary to the department in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities in protecting the best interests of the child.

(23) Nothing in this section or chapter shall require youth court approval for disclosure of records involving children as defined in Section 43-21-105(u) , if the disclosure is made in a criminal matter by a municipal or county prosecutor, a district attorney or statewide prosecutor, pursuant to the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure and the records are disclosed under a protective order issued by the Circuit Court presiding over the criminal matter which incorporates the penalties stated in Section 43-21-267 .

(24) The provisions of this section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2026.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-13 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 17 / Section 29-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-13
Status: in_force

If the recipient or applicant is found incapable of taking care of himself or his money, payments may be paid to any person, firm, corporation, association, institution or agency designated to receive it by order of the county department of his county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-117 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Section 33-117
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-117
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided herein, a regional housing authority and the commissioners thereof shall, within the area of operation of such regional housing authority, have the same functions, rights, powers, duties, privileges, immunities and limitations provided for housing authorities created for cities or counties and the commissioners of such housing authorities, and all the provisions of law applicable to housing authorities created for cities or counties and the commissioners of such authorities shall be applicable to regional housing authorities and the commissioners thereof. For such purposes, the term “mayor” or “governing body” as used in the Housing Authorities Law shall be construed as meaning “board of supervisors,” unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context. A regional housing authority shall have power to select any appropriate corporate name.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-7-71 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 7-71
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-7-71
Status: in_force

Individuals participating in an investigation carried out pursuant to Sections 43-7-51 through 43-7-79 shall be immune from any civil liability that otherwise might result by reason of their participation in the investigation as long as such participation is done in good faith. Protected participants and practices shall include:

(a) Any person who participates in the registering of a complaint under Sections 43-7-51 through 43-7-79 ;

(b) Any ombudsman who investigates a complaint filed pursuant to Sections 43-7-51 through 43-7-79 ;

(c) Any person who provides access to an ombudsman in the course of an investigation;

(d) Any person who provides evidence during the course of an investigation;

(e) Any person who participates in an administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from a complaint filed pursuant to Sections 43-7-51 through 43-7-79 ; and

(f) Any communications by an ombudsman if reasonably related to the requirements of that individual's responsibilities under Sections 43-7-51 through 43-7-79 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-11-16 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 11-16
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-11-16
Status: in_force

Medical records are and shall remain the property of the various institutions for the aged or infirm, subject, however, to reasonable access to the information contained therein upon written request by the resident, his legally appointed representatives, his attending medical personnel and his duly authorized nominees, and upon payment of any reasonable charges for such service. Nothing in this section shall be construed to deny access to medical records by the Attorney General, the licensing agency, or his or its agents and investigators in the discharge of their official duties under this chapter. Except as otherwise provided by law, medical records shall not constitute public records and nothing in this section shall be deemed to impair any privilege of confidence conferred by law or the Mississippi Rules of Evidence on residents, their personal representatives or heirs by Section 13-1-21 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 26 / 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. § 43-59-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 55 / Section 59-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-59-5
Status: in_force

The commission shall have the powers and authority necessary to carry out the duties imposed upon it by this chapter, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) To conduct research and to study issues affecting the status of women in Mississippi;

(b) To advise and consult with the executive and legislative branches on policies affecting the status of women in Mississippi;

(c) To publish periodic reports documenting the legal, economic, social and political status, and other concerns of women in Mississippi;

(d) To assess programs and practices in all state agencies as those programs and practices affect women;

(e) To maintain an office and to acquire on a contractual or other basis any legal, technical and research expertise and support services as the commission may require for the discharge of its duties;

(f) To hold hearings, meetings, conferences and workshops, to make and sign any agreements, and to do or perform any acts that may be necessary, desirable or proper to carry out the purposes of this chapter;

(g) To appoint advisers or advisory committees if the commission determines that the experience or expertise of the advisors or advisory committees is needed for projects of the commission;

(h) To apply for and accept funds, grants, gifts and services from the state or federal government or any of their agencies, or any other public or private source, for the purpose of defraying clerical, administrative and other costs as may be necessary in carrying out the commission's duties under this chapter;

(i) To establish nonprofit entities for the purpose of defraying costs incurred in the performance of the commission's duties; and

(j) To utilize voluntary and uncompensated services of private individuals, agencies and organizations as may be offered and needed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-13 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / Section 26-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-13
Status: in_force

The governing authority of any municipality or county in this state is authorized and empowered, in its discretion, to expend such funds as it deems necessary and desirable, from any available funds of the municipality or county, to: (a) match any state, federal or private funds available for any program administered by the Department of Child Protection Services in this state; and/or (b) make a voluntary contribution to any such program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-27 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-31-27
Status: in_force

The members of the board of supervisors shall prevent the poor from strolling from one district to another; and in case any pauper shall leave the county in which he may have a settlement, and remove to another county, any member of the board of supervisors may make an order to remove the pauper back to the county from which he came, directed to any constable to execute. But if the pauper be sick or disabled so that he cannot be removed, he shall be provided for in the county in which he may be found until he can be removed; and the county in which he had a legal settlement shall pay all charges occasioned by the support of the pauper and for removal, or burial in case of death, which shall constitute a charge against the county, and may be recoverable by action before the proper court. And it shall be the duty of the board of supervisors of the county to which any pauper belongs, to receive him, on his removal, and provide for him as in other cases.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-31 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / 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. § 43-16-19 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 16-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-16-19
Status: in_force

Whenever the department is advised or has reason to believe that any child residential home is operating without proper notification in accordance with this chapter, it shall request a meeting with the governing board and executive director of such home to ascertain the fact. If the department finds that such home is providing supervision, care, lodging or maintenance for any children without such notification, it shall give the executive director of the home written notice by certified mail that such person shall file notification in accordance with this chapter within sixty (60) days after receipt of such notice or the department may request a court injunction as provided in Section 43-16-21 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-28-3 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 27 / Section 28-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-28-3
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a qualified Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program in this state which will encourage and assist the saving of private funds in tax-exempt accounts in order to pay for the qualified disability expenses of eligible individuals with disabilities. The Legislature intends that the qualified ABLE Program be implemented in a manner that is consistent with federal law authorizing the program and that maximizes program efficiency and effectiveness.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-28-25 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / 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. § 43-27-10 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 27-10
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-27-10
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Department of Human Services shall exercise executive and administrative supervision over all state-owned facilities used for the detention, training, care, treatment and aftercare supervision of delinquent children properly committed to or confined in said facilities by a court on account of such delinquency; provided, however, such executive and administrative supervision under state-owned facilities shall not extend to any institutions and facilities for which executive and administrative supervision has been provided otherwise by law through other agencies.

(2) Such facilities shall include, but not be limited to, the Oakley Training School, which is now the Oakley Youth Development Center, created by Chapter 205, Laws of 1942, and those facilities authorized by Chapter 652, Laws of 1994.

(3) The department shall have the power as a corporate body to receive, hold and use personal, real and mixed property donated to them or property acquired under Section 43-27-35 , and shall have such other corporate authority as shall now or hereafter be necessary for the operation of any such facility. The department shall be responsible for the planning, development and coordination of a statewide, comprehensive youth services program designed to train and rehabilitate children in order to prevent, control and retard juvenile delinquency.

(4) The department is authorized to develop and implement diversified public, private, or contractual programs and facilities to promote, enhance, provide and assure the opportunities for the successful care, training and treatment of delinquent children properly committed to or confined in any facility under its control. Such programs and facilities may include, but not be limited to, training schools, foster homes, halfway houses, forestry camps, regional assessment, classification and diagnostic centers, detention centers, group homes, regional and community-based juvenile intensive residential treatment facilities, specialized and therapeutic programs and facilities, and other state and local community-based programs and facilities.

(5) The department is authorized to acquire whatever hazard, casualty or workers' compensation insurance is necessary for any property, real or personal, owned, leased or rented by the department or for any employees or personnel hired by the department and may acquire professional liability insurance on all employees as deemed necessary and proper by the department. All premiums due and payable on account thereof shall be paid out of the funds of the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-205 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 21-205
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-205
Status: in_force

In proceedings under this chapter, no court costs shall be charged against any party to a petition, and no salaried officer of the state, county or any municipality, nor any youth court counselor, nor any witness other than an expert witness shall be entitled to receive any fee for any service rendered to the youth court or for attendance in the youth court in any proceedings under this chapter; but the fees of the circuit and chancery clerks in youth court cases originating by petition shall be paid as is provided by law for like services in other cases and shall be paid by the county on allowance of the board of supervisors on an itemized cost bill approved by the judge. These costs shall be paid out of the general fund. No clerk shall be allowed compensation for attendance in youth court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 61-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Seniors and Indigents Rx Program.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-5 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Section 39-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-5
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(a) “Agency” means any department, agency or instrumentality of the state or of a political subdivision of the state, or any department, agency or instrumentality of two (2) or more political subdivisions of the state, or any person who has the authority to acquire property by eminent domain under the laws of this state, that implements a project financed in whole or in part by public funds.

(b) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association.

(c) “Displaced person” means, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (c), any person who moves from real property, or moves his personal property from real property, as a direct result of a written notice of intent to acquire or the acquisition of other real property in whole or in part for a program or project undertaken by an agency with public financial assistance; or real property on which such person is a residential tenant or conducts a small business, a farm operation or a business as defined in this section, as a direct result of rehabilitation, demolition or such other displacing activity as the displacing agency may prescribe, under a program or project undertaken by a displacing agency with public financial assistance in any case in which the head of the displacing agency determines that such displacement is permanent; and solely for the purposes of Sections 43-39-7 and 43-39-13, Mississippi Code of 1972 , any person who moves from real property or moves his personal property from real property as a direct result of a written notice of intent to acquire or the acquisition of other real property, in whole or in part, on which such person conducts a business or farm operation, for a program or project undertaken by a displacing agency with public financial assistance; or as a result of rehabilitation, demolition or such other displacing activity as the displacing agency may prescribe, of other real property on which such person conducts a business or a farm operation, under a program or project undertaken by a displacing agency with public financial assistance where the displacing agency determines that such displacement is permanent. In the case of a partial acquisition, the displacing agency shall make the determination whether the person is displaced.

The term “displaced person” does not include a person who has been determined, according to criteria established by the head of the agency, to be either in unlawful occupancy of the displacement dwelling or to have occupied such dwelling for the purpose of obtaining assistance under this title, nor, in any case in which the displacing agency acquired property for a program or project, any person (other than a person who was an occupant of such property at the time it was acquired) who occupies such property on a rental basis for a short term or a period subject to termination when the property is needed for the program or project.

(d) “Business” means any lawful activity, excepting a farm operation, conducted primarily:

(i) For the purchase, sale, lease and rental of personal and real property, and for the manufacture, processing or marketing of products, commodities or any other personal property;

(ii) For the sale of services to the public;

(iii) By a nonprofit organization; or

(iv) For the purposes of subsection (1) of Section 43-39-7 , for assisting in the purchase, sale, resale, manufacture, processing or marketing of products, commodities, personal property or services by the erection and maintenance of an outdoor advertising display or displays, whether or not such display or displays are located on the premises on which any of the above activities are conducted.

(e) “Farm operation” means any activity conducted solely or primarily for the production of one or more agricultural products or commodities, including timber, for sale or home use, and customarily producing such products or commodities in sufficient quantity to be capable of contributing materially to the operator's support.

(f) “Comparable replacement dwelling” means any dwelling that is decent, safe and sanitary; adequate in size to accommodate the occupants; within the financial means of the displaced person; functionally equivalent; in an area not subject to unreasonable, adverse, environmental conditions; and in a location generally not less desirable than the location of the displaced person's dwelling with respect to public utilities, facilities, services and the displaced person's place of employment.

(g) “Displacing agency” means the state, a state agency or an authorized political subdivision, or any person carrying out a program or project with public financial assistance which causes a person to be a displaced person.

(h) “Appraisal” means a written statement independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser setting forth an opinion of defined value of an adequately described property as of a specific date, supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information.

(i) “Lead agency” means the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-25 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 47-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-25
Status: in_force

Any officer, agent or employee of the department in the good faith exercise of his duties under this chapter shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of his acts or omissions in rendering assistance or aid to any vulnerable person.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-21 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 35-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-21
Status: in_force

(a) A municipality shall have power to issue bonds from time to time, in its discretion, to finance the undertaking of any urban renewal project under this article, including, without limiting the generality thereof, the payment of principal and interest upon any advances for surveys and plans, and shall also have power to issue refunding bonds for the payment or retirement of such bonds previously issued by it. Such bonds shall be made payable, as to both principal and interest, solely from the income, proceeds, revenues, and funds of the municipality derived from or held in connection with its undertaking and carrying out of urban renewal projects under this article. Payment of such bonds, both as to principal and interest, may be further secured by a pledge of any loan, grant or contribution from the federal government or other source, in aid of any urban renewal projects of the municipality under this article, and by a mortgage of any such urban renewal projects, or any part thereof title to which is in the municipality.

(b) Bonds issued under this section shall not constitute an indebtedness within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt limitation or restriction, and shall not be subject to the provisions of any other law or charter relating to the authorization, issuance or sale of bonds. Bonds issued under the provisions of this article are declared to be issued for an essential public and governmental purpose and, together with interest thereon and income therefrom, shall be exempted from all taxes.

(c) Bonds issued under this section shall be authorized by resolution or ordinance of the local governing body and may be issued in one or more series and shall bear such date or dates, be payable upon demand or mature at such time or times, not to exceed thirty (30) years from date of issue, bear interest at such rate or rates, not exceeding that allowed in Section 75-17-103 , be in such denomination or denominations, be in such form either coupon or registered, carry such conversion or registration privileges, have such rank or priority, be executed in such manner, be payable in such medium of payment, at such place or places, and be subject to such terms of redemption (with or without premium), be secured in such manner, and have such other characteristics, as may be provided by such resolution or trust indenture or mortgage issued pursuant thereto. Any bond issue to be awarded and sold to the United States of America or any agency thereof shall mature at such time or times, not to exceed thirty-five (35) years, as shall be prescribed in the ordinance authorizing their issuance.

(d) Such bonds may be sold at not less than par at public sales held after notice published prior to such sale in a newspaper having a general circulation in the area of operation and in such other medium of publication as the municipality may determine, may be exchanged for other bonds on the basis of par or may be sold at private sale under such terms and conditions as may be determined from time to time by the municipality. Such bonds may be sold to the federal government at private sale at not less than par, and, in the event less than all of the authorized principal amount of such bonds is sold to the federal government, the balance may be sold at private sale at not less than par at an interest cost to the municipality of not to exceed the interest cost to the municipality of the portion of the bonds sold to the federal government.

(e) In case any of the public officials of the municipality whose signatures appear on any bonds or coupons issued under this article shall cease to be such officials before the delivery of such bonds, such signatures shall, nevertheless, be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if such officials had remained in office until such delivery. Any provision of any law to the contrary notwithstanding, any bonds issued pursuant to this article shall be fully negotiable.

(f) In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforceability of any bond issued under this article, or the security therefor, any such bond reciting in substance that it has been issued by the municipality in connection with an urban renewal project, shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued for such purpose and such project shall be conclusively deemed to have been planned, located and carried out in accordance with the provisions of this article.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-15 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 35-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-15
Status: in_force

Every municipality shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this article, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted:

(a) To undertake and carry out urban renewal projects within its area of operation; and to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers under this article, and to disseminate slum clearance and urban renewal information;

(b) To provide or to arrange or contract for the furnishing or repair by any person or agency, public or private, or services, privileges, works, streets, roads, public utilities or other facilities for or in connection with an urban renewal project; to install, construct, and reconstruct streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements; and to agree to any conditions that it may deem reasonable and appropriate attached to federal financial assistance and imposed pursuant to federal law relating to the determination of prevailing salaries or wages or compliance with labor standards, in the undertaking or carrying out of an urban renewal project, and to include in any contract let in connection with such a project, provisions to fulfill such of said conditions as it may deem reasonable and appropriate;

(c) Within its area of operation, to enter into any building or property in any urban renewal area in order to make inspections, surveys, appraisals, soundings or test borings, and to obtain an order for this purpose from a court of competent jurisdiction in the event entry is denied or resisted; to acquire by purchase, lease, option, gift, grant, bequest, devise, eminent domain or otherwise, any real property (or personal property for its administrative purposes), together with any improvements thereon. However, before condemning property of a corporation itself possessing the power of eminent domain, the condemnor must have obtained from the Mississippi Public Service Commission findings of fact as follows: (i) that there was no other property reasonably available for the contemplated public use, and (ii) that the property sought to be taken was not reasonably necessary to the performance of the function of the public service corporation owning, or holding such property. Moreover, such municipality shall have the power to hold, improve, clear or prepare for redevelopment any such property; to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise encumber or dispose of any real property; to insure or provide for the insurance of any real or personal property or operations of the municipality against any risks or hazards, including the power to pay premiums on any such insurance; and to enter into any contracts necessary to effectuate the purposes of this article. However, no statutory provision with respect to the acquisition, clearance or disposition of property by public bodies shall restrict a municipality or other public body exercising the powers hereunder, in the exercise of such functions with respect to an urban renewal project, unless the legislature shall specifically so state;

(d) To invest any urban renewal project funds held in reserves or sinking funds or any such funds not required for immediate disbursement, in property or securities in which savings banks may legally invest funds subject to their control; to redeem such bonds as have been issued pursuant to Section 43-35-21 at the redemption price established therein or to purchase such bonds at less than redemption price, all such bonds so redeemed or purchased to be cancelled;

(e) To borrow money and to apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions and any other form of financial assistance from the federal government, the state, county, or other public body, or from any sources, public or private, for the purposes of this article, and to give such security as may be required and to enter into and carry out contracts in connection therewith. A municipality may include in any contract for financial assistance with the federal government for an urban renewal project such conditions imposed pursuant to federal laws as the municipality may deem reasonable and appropriate and which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this article.

(f) To accept funds under the provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, P. L. 93-383 , or amendments thereto, and to make grants or loans to individuals who own property in the designated area and who qualify according to the provisions of the act, such grants or loans to be made from funds accepted under the provisions of said P. L. 93-383 , as amended, or from the grants and contributions derived under the provisions of subsection (e) of this section; and to make loans from funds derived from subsection (e) of this section or from the proceeds of revenue bonds issued pursuant to the authority of Section 43-35-21, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(g) Within its area of operation, to make or have made all surveys and plans necessary to the carrying out of the purposes of this article and to contract with any person, public or private, in making and carrying out such plans and to adopt or approve, modify and amend such plans. Such plans may include, without limitation: (i) a general plan for the locality as a whole, (ii) urban renewal plans, (iii) preliminary plans outlining urban renewal activities for neighborhoods to embrace two (2) or more urban renewal areas, (iv) plans for carrying out a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements, (v) plans for the enforcement of state and local laws, codes and regulations relating to the use of land and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements and to the compulsory repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal of buildings and improvements, and (vi) appraisals, title searches, surveys, studies, and other plans and work necessary to prepare for the undertaking of urban renewal projects. The municipality is authorized to develop, test, and report methods and techniques, and carry out demonstrations and other activities, for the prevention and the elimination of slums and urban blight and to apply for, accept and utilize grants of funds from the federal government for such purposes;

(h) To prepare plans for the relocation of persons (including families, business concerns and others) displaced by an urban renewal project, and to make relocation payments to or with respect to such persons for moving expenses and losses of property for which reimbursement or compensation is not otherwise made, including the making of payments financed by the federal government;

(i) To appropriate such funds and make such expenditures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this article and to levy taxes and assessments for such purposes; to zone or rezone any part of the municipality or make exceptions from building regulations; and to enter into agreements with a housing authority or an urban renewal agency vested with urban renewal project powers under Section 43-35-31 (which agreements may extend over any period, notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary), respecting action to be taken by such municipality pursuant to any of the powers granted by this article;

(j) To close, vacate, plan or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways or other places; and to plan or replan any part of the municipality;

(k) Within its area of operation, to organize, coordinate and direct the administration of the provisions of this article as they apply to such municipality in order that the objective of remedying slum and blighted areas and preventing the causes thereof within such municipality may be most effectively promoted and achieved, and to establish such new office or offices of the municipality or to reorganize existing offices in order to carry out such purpose most effectively; and

(l) To exercise all or any part or combination of powers herein granted.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-25-101 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 25-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-25-101
Status: in_force

The Governor, on behalf of this state, may execute a compact in substantially the following form, and the Legislature signifies in advance its approval and ratification of the compact:

The compacting states to this Interstate Compact recognize that each state is responsible for the proper supervision or return of juveniles, delinquents and status offenders who are on probation or parole and who have absconded, escaped or run away from supervision and control and in so doing have endangered their own safety and the safety of others. The compacting states also recognize that each state is responsible for the safe return of juveniles who have run away from home and in doing so have left their state of residence. The compacting states also recognize that Congress, by enacting the Crime Control Act, 4 USCS Section 112 (1965) , has authorized and encouraged compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in the prevention of crime.

It is the purpose of this compact, through means of joint and cooperative action among the compacting states to:

(a) Ensure that the adjudicated juveniles and status offenders subject to this compact are provided adequate supervision and services in the receiving state as ordered by the adjudicating judge or parole authority in the sending state;

(b) Ensure that the public safety interests of the citizens, including the victims of juvenile offenders, in both the sending and receiving states are adequately protected.

(c) Return juveniles who have run away, absconded or escaped from supervision or control or have been accused of an offense to the state requesting their return;

(d) Make contracts for the cooperative institutionalization in public facilities in member states for delinquent youth needing special services;

(e) Provide for the effective tracking and supervision of juveniles;

(f) Equitably allocate the costs, benefits and obligations of the compacting states;

(g) Establish procedures to manage the movement between states of juvenile offenders released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, juvenile departments, or any other criminal or juvenile justice agency that has jurisdiction over juvenile offenders;

(h) Ensure immediate notice to jurisdictions where defined offenders are authorized to travel or to relocate across state lines;

(i) Establish procedures to resolve pending charges (detainers) against juvenile offenders before transfer or release to the community under the terms of this compact.

(j) Establish a system of uniform data collection on information pertaining to juveniles subject to this compact that allows access by authorized juvenile justice and criminal justice officials, and regular reporting of compact activities to heads of state, executive, judicial, and legislative branches and juvenile and criminal justice administrators;

(k) Monitor compliance with rules governing interstate movement of juveniles and initiate interventions to address and correct noncompliance;

(l) Coordinate training and education regarding the regulation of interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in that activity; and

(m) Coordinate the implementation and operation of the compact with the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision and other compacts affecting juveniles particularly in those cases where concurrent or overlapping supervision issues arise.

It is the policy of the compacting states that the activities conducted by the Interstate Commission created by this compact are the formation of public policies and therefore are public business. Furthermore, the compacting states shall cooperate and observe their individual and collective duties and responsibilities for the prompt return and acceptance of juveniles subject to the provisions of this compact. The provisions of this compact shall be reasonably and liberally construed to accomplish the purposes and policies of the compact.

As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:

(a) “ Bylaws ” means those bylaws established by the Interstate Commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling its actions or conduct.

(b) “ Compact administrator ” means the individual in each compacting state appointed under the terms of this compact, responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission and policies adopted by the State Council under this compact.

(c) “ Compacting state ” means any state that has enacted the enabling legislation for this compact.

(d) “ Commissioner ” means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to Article III of this compact.

(e) “ Court ” means any court having jurisdiction over delinquent, neglected or dependent children.

(f) “ Deputy compact administrator ” means the individual, if any, in each compacting state appointed to act on behalf of a compact administrator under the terms of this compact responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission and policies adopted by the State Council under this compact.

(g) “ Interstate Commission ” means the Interstate Commission for Juveniles created by Article III of this compact.

(h) “ Juvenile ” means any person defined as a juvenile in any member state or by the rules of the Interstate Commission, including:

(i) Accused delinquent, which is a person charged with an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense;

(ii) Adjudicated delinquent, which is a person found to have committed an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense;

(iii) Accused status offender, which is a person charged with an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult;

(iv) Adjudicated status offender, which is a person found to have committed an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; and

(v) Nonoffender, which is a person in need of supervision who has not been accused or adjudicated a status offender or delinquent.

(i) “ Noncompacting state ” means any state that has not enacted the enabling legislation for this compact.

(j) “ Probation or parole ” means any kind of supervision or conditional release of juveniles authorized under the laws of the compacting states.

(k) “ Rules ” means a written statement by the Interstate Commission promulgated under Article VI of this compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a compacting state, and includes the amendment, repeal or suspension of an existing rule.

(l) “ State ” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia (or its designee), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas Islands.

(1) The compacting states create the “Interstate Commission for Juveniles.” The commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the compacting states. The commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers and duties set forth in this compact, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact.

(2) The Interstate Commission shall consist of commissioners appointed by the appropriate appointing authority in each state pursuant to the rules and requirements of each compacting state and in consultation with the State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision created under this compact. The commissioner shall be the compact administrator, deputy compact administrator or designee from that state who shall serve on the Interstate Commission in such capacity under the applicable law of the compacting state.

(3) In addition to the commissioners who are the voting representatives of each state, the Interstate Commission shall include individuals who are not commissioners, but who are members of interested organizations. Those noncommissioner members must include a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices, attorneys general, Interstate Compact for Adult Offender for Adult Offender Supervision, Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, juvenile justice and juvenile corrections officials and crime victims. All noncommissioner members of the Interstate Commission shall be ex officio nonvoting members. The Interstate Commission may provide in its bylaws for additional ex officio nonvoting members, including members of other national organizations, in such numbers as determined by the commission.

(4) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the commission is entitled to one (1) vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the Interstate Commission.

(5) The commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings and meetings shall be open to the public.

(6) The Interstate Commission shall establish an executive committee, which shall include commission officers, members and others as determined by the bylaws. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission during periods when the Interstate Commission is not in session, with the exception of rule making and/or amendment to the compact. The executive committee shall oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact managed by an executive director and Interstate Commission staff; administers enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules and performs such other duties as directed by the Interstate Commission or set forth in the bylaws.

(7) Each member of the Interstate Commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that compacting state is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission. A member shall vote in person and shall not delegate a vote to another compacting state. However, a commissioner, in consultation with the State Council, shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the commissioner from that state, to cast a vote on behalf of the compacting state at a specified meeting. The bylaws may provide for members' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication.

(8) The Interstate Commission's bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under which the Interstate Commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The Interstate Commission may exempt from disclosure any information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests.

(9) Public notice shall be given of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The Interstate Commission and any of its committees may close a meeting to the public where it determines by two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote that an open meeting would be likely to:

(a) Relate solely to the Interstate Commission's internal personnel practice and procedures;

(b) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute;

(c) Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

(d) Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;

(e) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

(f) Disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

(g) Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating or condition reports prepared by, or on behalf of or for the use of, the Interstate Commission with respect to a regulated person or entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of the person or entity;

(h) Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger the stability of a regulated person or entity; or

(i) Specifically relate to the Interstate Commission's issuance of a subpoena, or its participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding.

(10) For every meeting closed under this provision, the Interstate Commission's legal counsel shall publicly certify that, in the legal counsel's opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public, and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The Interstate Commission shall keep minutes that shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in any meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any roll call vote (reflected in the vote of each member on the question). All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in the minutes.

(11) The Interstate Commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate movement of juveniles as directed through its rules, which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection, data exchange and reporting requirements. Those methods of data collection, exchange and reporting shall, insofar as is reasonably possible, conform to up-to-date technology and coordinate its information functions with the appropriate repository of records.

The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states.

(b) To promulgate rules to effect the purposes and obligations as enumerated in this compact, which shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact.

(c) To oversee, supervise and coordinate the interstate movement of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact and any bylaws adopted and rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission.

(d) To enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission, and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including, but not limited to, the use of judicial process.

(e) To establish and maintain offices, which shall be located within one or more of the compacting states.

(f) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.

(g) To borrow, accept, hire or contract for services of personnel.

(h) To establish and appoint committees and hire staff that it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Article III, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties under this compact.

(i) To elect or appoint officers, attorneys, employees, agents or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Interstate Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, inter alia, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation and qualifications of personnel.

(j) To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of it.

(k) To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use any property, real, personal or mixed.

(l) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed.

(m) To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in Article VIII of this compact.

(n) To sue and be sued.

(o) To adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the Interstate Commission.

(p) To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact.

(q) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and State Councils of the compacting states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year. Those reports also shall include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission.

(r) To coordinate education, training and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in that activity.

(s) To establish uniform standards of the reporting, collecting and exchanging of data.

(t) To maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws.

(1) Bylaws . The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within twelve (12) months after the first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to:

(a) Establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission;

(b) Establishing an executive committee and such other committees as may be necessary;

(c) Providing for the establishment of committees governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Interstate Commission;

(d) Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Interstate Commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting;

(e) Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the Interstate Commission;

(f) Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the Interstate Commission and the return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and/or reserving of all of its debts and obligations;

(g) Providing “start-up” rules for initial administration of the compact; and

(h) Establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the compact.

(2) Officers and Staff .(a) The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson's absence or disability, the vice chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission; however, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission.

(b) The Interstate Commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Interstate Commission, but shall not be a member and shall hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission.

(3) Qualified Immunity, Defense and Indemnification .(a) The commission's executive director and employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property, personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of or relating to any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties or responsibilities; however, any such person shall not be protected from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person.

(b) The liability of any commissioner, or the employee of an agent of a commissioner, acting within the scope of the person's employment or duties for acts, errors or omissions occurring within the person's state, may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the Constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees and agents. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person.

(c) The Interstate Commission shall defend the executive director or the employees or representatives of the Interstate Commission and, subject to the approval of the attorney general of the state represented by any commissioner of a compacting state, shall defend the commissioner or the commissioner's representatives or employees in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the defendant has a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the person.

(d) The Interstate Commission shall indemnify and hold the commissioner of a compacting state, or the commissioner's representatives or employees or the Interstate Commission's representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against those persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that those persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such persons.

(1) The Interstate Commission shall promulgate and publish rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the compact.

(2) Rule making shall occur using the criteria set forth in this article and the bylaws and rules adopted under this article. That rule making shall substantially conform to the principles of the “Model State Administrative Procedures Act,” 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Volume 15, page 1 (2000), or such other administrative procedures act, as the Interstate Commission deems appropriate consistent with due process requirements under the United States Constitution as now or hereafter interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. All rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified, as published with the final version of the rule as approved by the commission.

(3) When promulgating a rule, the Interstate Commission shall, at a minimum:

(a) Publish the proposed rule's entire text stating the reason(s) for that proposed rule;

(b) Allow and invite any and all persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which information shall be added to the record, and be made publicly available;

(c) Provide an opportunity for an informal hearing if petitioned by ten (10) or more persons; and

(d) Promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on input from state or local officials, or interested parties.

(4) Allow not later than sixty (60) days after a rule is promulgated, any interested person to file a petition in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or in the Federal District Court where the Interstate Commission's principal office is located for judicial review of the rule. If the court finds that the Interstate Commission's action is not supported by substantial evidence in the rule-making record, the court shall hold the rule unlawful and set it aside. For purposes of this subsection, evidence is substantial if it would be considered substantial evidence under the Model State Administrative Procedures Act.

(5) If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule, those states may, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, cause that the rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.

(6) The existing rules governing the operation of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles superceded by this compact shall be null and void twelve (12) months after the first meeting of the Interstate Commission created under this compact.

(7) Upon determination by the Interstate Commission that a state of emergency exists, it may promulgate an emergency rule that shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that the usual rule-making procedures provided under this article retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the emergency rule.

(1) Oversight . (a) The Interstate Commission shall oversee the administration and operations of the interstate movement of juveniles subject to this compact in the compacting states and shall monitor those activities being administered in noncompacting states that may significantly affect compacting states.

(b) The courts and executive agencies in each compacting state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules promulgated under this compact shall be received by all the judges, public officers, commissions and departments of the state government as evidence of the authorized statute and administrative rules. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in a compacting state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact that may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Interstate Commission, it shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes.

(2) Dispute Resolution .(a) The compacting states shall report to the Interstate Commission on all issues and activities necessary for the administration of the compact, as well as issues and activities pertaining to compliance with the provisions of the compact and its bylaws and rules.

(b) The Interstate Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a compacting state, to resolve any disputes or other issues that are subject to the compact and that may arise among compacting states and between compacting and noncompacting states. The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes among the compacting states.

(c) The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact using any or all means set forth in Article XI of this compact.

(1) The Interstate Commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities.

(2) The Interstate Commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment from each compacting state to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate Commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate Commission, taking into consideration the population of each compacting state and the volume of interstate movement of juveniles in each compacting state, and shall promulgate a rule binding upon all compacting states which governs the assessment.

(3) The Interstate Commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind before securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Interstate Commission pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state.

(4) The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission.

Each member state shall create a State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision. While each state may determine the membership of its own State Council, its membership must include at least one (1) representative from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, victims groups, and the compact administrator or designee. Each compacting state retains the right to determine the qualifications of the compact administrator or deputy compact administrator. Each State Council will advise and may exercise oversight and advocacy concerning the state's participation in Interstate Commission activities and other duties as may be determined by that state, including, but not limited to, development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the compact within that state.

(1) Any state, the District of Columbia (or its designee), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas Islands as defined in Article II of this compact is eligible to become a compacting state.

(2) The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less that thirty-five (35) of the states. The initial effective date shall be the later of July 1, 2004, or upon enactment into law by the thirty-fifth jurisdiction. Thereafter, it shall become effective and binding as to any other compacting state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the Interstate Commission on a nonvoting basis before adoption of the compact by all states and territories of the United States.

(3) The Interstate Commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the compacting states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the compacting states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the compacting states.

(1) Withdrawal .(a) Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every compacting state; however, a compacting state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing the statute that enacted the compact into law.

(b) The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repeal.

(c) The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The Interstate Commission shall notify the other compacting states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty (60) days of its receipt thereof.

(d) The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.

(e) Reinstatement following withdrawal of any compacting state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate Commission.

(2) Technical Assistance, Fines, Suspension, Termination and Default .(a) If the Interstate Commission determines that any compacting state has at any time defaulted in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or duly promulgated rules, the Interstate Commission may impose any or all of the following penalties:

(i) Remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the Interstate Commission;

(ii) Alternative dispute resolution;

(iii) Fines, fees and costs in such amounts as are deemed to be reasonable as fixed by the Interstate Commission; and

(iv) Suspension or termination of membership in the compact, which shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance under the bylaws and rules have been exhausted and the Interstate Commission has therefore determined that the offending state is in default. Immediate notice of suspension shall be given by the Interstate Commission to the governor, the chief justice or the chief judicial officer of the state, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature and the State Council. The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a compacting state to perform the obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by this compact, the bylaws or duly promulgated rules and any other grounds designated in commission bylaws and rules. The Interstate Commission shall immediately notify the defaulting state in writing of the penalty imposed by the Interstate Commission and of the default pending a cure of the default. The commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the defaulting state must cure its default. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the commission, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination.

(b) Within sixty (60) days of the effective date of termination of a defaulting state, the commission shall notify the governor, the chief justice or the chief judicial officer, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and the State Council of that termination.

(c) The defaulting state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination including any obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination.

(d) The Interstate Commission shall not bear any costs relating to the defaulting state unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the Interstate Commission and the defaulting state.

(e) Reinstatement following termination of any compacting state requires both a reenactment of the compact by the defaulting state and the approval of the Interstate Commission pursuant to the rules.

(3) Judicial Enforcement . The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the Interstate Commission, in the federal district court where the Interstate Commission has its offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its duly promulgated rules and bylaws, against any compacting state in default. If judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of the litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees.

(4) Dissolution of Compact .(a) The compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the compacting state, which reduces membership in the compact to one (1) compacting state.

(b) Upon the dissolution of the compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be concluded and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.

(1) The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.

(2) The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.

(1) Other Laws .(a) Nothing in this compact prevents the enforcement of any other law of a compacting state that is not inconsistent with this compact.

(b) All compacting states' laws other than state constitutions and other interstate compacts conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

(2) Binding Effect of the Compact .(a) All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Interstate Commission, are binding upon the compacting states.

(b) All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the compacting states are binding in accordance with their terms.

(c) Upon the request of a party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation of Interstate Commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the compacting states, the Interstate Commission may issue advisory opinions regarding that meaning or interpretation.

(d) If any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any compacting state, the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by that provision upon the Interstate Commission shall be ineffective and those obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction shall remain in the compacting state and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which those obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this compact becomes effective.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-55-7 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 27 / 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. § 43-35-501 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 19 / Section 35-501
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-35-501
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Community Development Law.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-26-15 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / 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. § 43-37-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 37-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-37-9
Status: in_force

Where an inverse condemnation proceeding is instituted by the owner of any right, title or interest in real property because of use of his property in any program or project in which federal and/or federal-aid funds are used, the court, rendering a judgment for the plaintiff in such proceeding and awarding compensation for the taking of property, or the state's attorney effecting a settlement of any such proceeding, shall determine and award or allow to such plaintiff, as a part of such judgment or settlement, such sum as will, in the opinion of the court or the state's attorney, reimburse such plaintiff for his reasonable costs, disbursements and expenses, including reasonable attorney, appraisal and engineering fees, actually incurred because of such proceeding.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-63-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 63-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-63-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Jimmy Kaigler Alzheimer's Support Act.” James Street “Jimmy” Kaigler was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and was a graduate of the University of Mississippi. Kaigler served as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1972. Following his tour in Vietnam, Captain Kaigler was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Kaigler later worked as President and CEO of Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. This chapter shall serve as testament to Captain Kaigler's life as well as a tribute to the loving care provided by his wife and family.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-17 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 12 / Section 29-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-29-17
Status: in_force

The county department shall at once report to the State Department its decision upon each application. If an application is not acted upon by the county department within thirty (30) days after the filing of the application, or is denied or revoked, the applicant may appeal to the State Department in the manner and form prescribed by rules and regulations. The State Department shall upon receipt of such an appeal give the applicant an opportunity for a fair hearing. The State Department may also, upon its own motion, review any decision of a county department and may consider any application upon which a decision has not been made by the county department within a reasonable time.

The State Department may make such additional investigations as it may deem necessary and shall make such decision as to the granting of assistance and the amount of assistance to be granted the applicant as in its opinion is justified and in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. All decisions of the State Department shall be binding upon the county department involved and shall be complied with by such county department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-267 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 16 / Section 21-267
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-267
Status: in_force

(1) Any person who shall disclose or encourage the disclosure of any records involving children or the contents thereof without the proper authorization under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished, upon conviction, by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail of not more than one (1) year or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Nothing herein shall prevent the youth court from finding in civil contempt, as provided in Section 43-21-153 , any person who shall disclose any records involving children or the contents thereof without the proper authorization under this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-25 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 29 / 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. § 43-53-11 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 13 / Section 53-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-53-11
Status: in_force

Assessments collected under Section 99-19-73(1) for the Mississippi Leadership Council on Aging Fund, and any contributions, grants or donations from any other source, shall be deposited in a special fund created in the State Treasury and so designated. Monies deposited in this fund shall be expended by the Mississippi Leadership Council on Aging as authorized and appropriated by the Legislature to defray the cost of coordinating crime prevention for the elderly and carrying out such other duties and responsibilities as provided in this chapter. The fund shall be a non-lapsing, revolving special trust fund, and interest earned on the principal shall be credited to the fund. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon requisition by the Mississippi Leadership Council on Aging.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-1 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 30 / Section 61-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Seniors and Indigents Rx Program.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-125 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-125
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-6-125
Status: in_force

All public buildings constructed or remodeled in accordance with the standards and requirements of Sections 43-6-101 through 43-6-123 , or containing facilities that are in compliance therewith, shall display a symbol which is white on a blue background. The specifications for this symbol shall be furnished by the state board of health indicating the location of such facilities designed for the physically handicapped. When a building contains an entrance other than the main entrance which is ramped or level for use by the physically handicapped persons, a sign showing its location shall be posted at or near the main entrance which shall be visible from the adjacent public sidewalk or way.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-37-2 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / 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. § 43-39-13 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Section 39-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-13
Status: in_force

(1) Programs or projects undertaken by a displacing agency with public financial assistance shall be planned in a manner that recognizes, at an early stage in the planning of such programs or projects and before the commencement of any actions which will cause displacements, the problems associated with the displacement of individuals, families, businesses and farm operations, and which provides for the resolution of such problems in order to minimize adverse impacts on displaced persons and to expedite program or project advancement and completion.

(2) The head of any displacing agency shall ensure that the relocation assistance advisory services described in subsection (3) of this section are made available to all persons displaced by such agency. If such agency head determines that any person occupying property immediately adjacent to the property where the displacing activity occurs is caused substantial economic injury as a result thereof, the agency head may make advisory services available to such person.

(3) Each relocation assistance advisory program required by subsection (2) of this section shall include such measures, facilities or services as may be necessary or appropriate in order to determine and make timely recommendations on the needs and preferences, if any, of displaced persons for relocation assistance; provide current and continuing information on the availability, sales prices and rental charges of comparable replacement dwellings for displaced homeowners and tenants and suitable locations for businesses and farm operations; assure that a person shall not be required to move from a dwelling unless the person has had a reasonable opportunity to relocate to a comparable replacement dwelling, except in the case of a major disaster as defined in Section 102(2) of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, a national emergency declared by the President or any other emergency which requires the person to move immediately from the dwelling because continued occupancy of such dwelling by the person constitutes a substantial danger to the health or safety of the person; assist a person displaced from a business or farm operation in obtaining and becoming established in a suitable replacement location; supply information concerning other federal and state programs which may be of assistance to displaced persons; supply technical assistance to such persons in applying for assistance under such programs; and provide other advisory services to displaced persons in order to minimize hardships to such persons in adjusting to relocation.

(4) The head of a displacing agency shall coordinate the relocation activities performed by such agency with other federal, state or local governmental actions in the community which could affect the efficient and effective delivery of relocation assistance and related services.

(5) In any case in which a displacing agency acquires property for a program or project, any person who occupies such property on a rental basis for a short term or a period subject to termination when the property is needed for the program or project shall be eligible for advisory services to the extent determined by the displacing agency.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-707 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 14 / Section 33-707
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-707
Status: in_force

(1) The corporation shall appoint, and prescribe the duties of, such officers (who need not be directors) as the corporation deems necessary or advisable, including an executive director and a secretary (who may be the same person), and the corporation shall fix the compensation of such officers. The executive director shall be appointed with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall serve at the will and pleasure of the board. The executive director shall administer, manage and direct the affairs and business of the corporation, subject to the policies, control and direction of the directors of the corporation. The secretary of the corporation shall keep a record of the proceedings of the corporation and shall be custodian of all books, documents and papers filed with the corporation, the minute book or journal of the corporation, and its official seal. He shall have authority to cause copies to be made of all minutes and other records and documents of the corporation and to give certificates under the official seal of the corporation to the effect that the copies are true copies, and all persons dealing with the corporation may rely upon the certificates. The treasurer shall be the custodian of the assets of the corporation, except for those assets required by contracts with bondholders to be in the custody of the trustee. The directors of the corporation shall set the investment policy for assets, and the executive director shall be responsible for making investments in accordance with such policy. The treasurer may delegate all or a portion of his duties and responsibilities to the executive director.

(2) The corporation shall have the authority, in its discretion, to employ counsel on an annual basis at an annual salary at an amount it deems proper. Such counsel may, in addition to an annual salary, be paid additional compensation when employed by the corporation in the matter of litigation and the issuance of bonds and the drafting of orders and resolutions in connection therewith.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-61-9 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 29 / 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. § 43-21-651 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 20 / Section 21-651
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-651
Status: in_force

(1)(a) The court to which appeals may be taken from final orders or decrees of the youth court shall be the Supreme Court of Mississippi pursuant to the Rules of Appellate Procedure. Final Orders in youth court include orders that grant durable legal custody or durable legal relative guardianship, transfer jurisdiction over the minor child to another court, such as for an adoption, or otherwise terminate the jurisdiction of the youth court over the minor child. All factual findings, legal determinations, and adjudication of issues by the youth court prior to the time the final order is entered are preserved for appellate review and any common law to the contrary is expressly abrogated. Any matters adjudicated by the youth court through interim orders such as adjudication/disposition orders, or permanency review orders, may be only appealed through the interlocutory appeal process provided by the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

(b) The rule of construction that statutes in derogation of the common law are to be strictly construed shall have no application to this subsection.

(2) In any case wherein an appeal is desired, written notice of intention to appeal shall be filed with the youth court clerk within the time, and costs in the youth court and the filing fee in the Supreme Court shall be paid, as is otherwise required for appeals to the Supreme Court. If the appellant shall make affidavit that he is unable to pay such costs and filing fee, he shall have an appeal without prepayment of court costs and filing fee. Only the initials of the child shall appear on the record on appeal.

(3) The pendency of an appeal shall not suspend the order or decree of the youth court regarding a child, nor shall it discharge the child from the custody of that court or of the person, institution or agency to whose care such child shall have been committed, unless the youth court or Supreme Court shall so order. If appellant desires to appeal with supersedeas, the matter first shall be presented to the youth court. If refused, the youth court shall forthwith issue a written order stating the reasons for the denial, which order shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court does not dismiss the proceedings and discharge the child, it shall affirm or modify or reverse the order of the youth court and remand the child to the jurisdiction of the youth court for placement and supervision in accordance with its order, and thereafter the child shall be and remain under the jurisdiction of the youth court in the same manner as if the youth court had made the order without an appeal having been taken.

(4) Appeals from the youth court shall be preference cases in the Supreme Court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-12 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 29 / Section 39-12
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-39-12
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a displaced person shall not be eligible to receive relocation payments or any other assistance under this chapter if the displaced person is an alien not lawfully present in the United States.

(2) If a displacing agency determines by clear and convincing evidence that a determination of the ineligibility of a displaced person under subsection (1) of this section would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to an individual who is the displaced person's spouse, parent, or child and who is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, the displacing agency shall provide relocation payments and other assistance to the displaced person under this chapter if the displaced person would be eligible for the assistance but for subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The Mississippi Transportation Commission shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section and in order to comply with federal law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-37-7 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 11 / Section 37-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-37-7
Status: in_force

Where a condemnation proceeding is instituted by the state, or a subdivision thereof, for a project which is funded in whole or in part by federal funds to acquire real property for such use and (a) the final judgment is that the real property cannot be acquired by condemnation or (b) the proceeding is abandoned, the owner of any right, title or interest in such real property shall be paid such sum as will, in the opinion of the state or the subdivision thereof, reimburse such owner for his reasonable attorney, appraisal and engineering fees, actually incurred because of the condemnation proceedings. The award of such sums will be paid by the person, agency or other entity which sought to condemn the property.
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-103 — MS Code / Title 43 / Chapter 6 / Section 33-103
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-33-103
Status: in_force

If the board of supervisors of each of two (2) or more contiguous counties by resolution declares that there is a need for one (1) housing authority to be created for all of such counties to exercise in such counties powers and other functions prescribed for a regional housing authority, a public body corporate and politic to be known as a regional housing authority shall thereupon exist for all of such counties and exercise its powers and other functions in such counties; and thereupon each county housing authority created for each of such counties shall cease to exist except for the purpose of winding up its affairs and executing a deed to the regional housing authority as hereinafter provided. The board of supervisors of a county shall not adopt a resolution as aforesaid if there is a county housing authority created for such county which has any bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness outstanding unless, first, all holders of such evidences of indebtedness consent in writing to the substitution of such regional housing authority in lieu of such county housing authority on all such evidences of indebtedness, and second, the commissioners of such county housing authority adopt a resolution consenting to the transfer of all the rights, contracts, obligations, and property, real and personal, of such county housing authority to such regional housing authority as hereinafter provided. When the above two (2) conditions are complied with and such regional housing authority is created and authorized to exercise its powers and other functions, all rights, contracts, agreements, obligations, and property of such county housing authority shall be in the name of and vest in such regional housing authority, and all obligations of such county housing authority shall be the obligations of such regional housing authority and all rights and remedies of any person against such county housing authority may be asserted, enforced, and prosecuted against such regional housing authority to the same extent as they might have asserted, enforced, and prosecuted against such county housing authority.

When any real property of a county housing authority vests in a regional housing authority as provided above, the county housing authority shall execute a deed of such property to the regional housing authority which thereupon shall file such deed in the office provided for the filing of deeds; nothing contained in this sentence shall affect the vesting of property in the regional housing authority as provided above.

The board of supervisors of each of two (2) or more contiguous counties shall by resolution declare that there is a need for one (1) regional housing authority to be created for all of such counties to exercise in such counties powers and other functions prescribed for a regional housing authority, if such board of supervisors finds (and only if it finds) (a) that unsanitary or unsafe inhabited dwelling accommodations exist in such county or there is a shortage of safe or sanitary dwelling accommodations in such county available to persons of low income at rentals they can afford and (b) that a regional housing authority would be a more efficient or economical administrative unit than the housing authority of such county to carry out the purposes of this article and the Housing Authorities Law in such county.

In any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the regional housing authority, the regional housing authority shall be conclusively deemed to have become created as a public body corporate and politic and to have become established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers hereunder upon proof of the adoption of a resolution by the board of supervisors of each of the counties creating the regional housing authority declaring the need for the regional housing authority. Each such resolution shall be deemed sufficient if it declares that there is need for the regional housing authority and finds in substantially the foregoing terms (no further detail being necessary) that the conditions enumerated above in (a) and (b) exist. A copy of such resolution of the board of supervisors of a county, duly certified by the county clerk of such county, shall be admissible in evidence in any suit, action, or proceeding.