reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-30) › Section 43-1-19 - Disclosure of records of disbursement and payment of public assistance governed by federal regulations; penalty for violation

(1)
The records of the disbursement of funds or payments to recipients of any and all assistance under programs administered by the state or county departments of human services showing the names of the recipients and the amount of the individual assistance checks shall only be disclosed pursuant to federal regulations regarding disclosure of information for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Food Stamp Act programs, and federal laws regarding use of electronically exchanged data.
(2)
Any person, firm, corporation, association or agency who or which shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
Codes, 1942, § 7219.5; Laws, 1952, ch. 388, § 2; Laws, 1994, ch. 451, § 1; Laws, 1997, ch. 316, § 16, eff. 3/12/1997.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-30) › Section 43-1-21 - Disposal of abandoned applications, closed case files, and the like

The state board of public welfare may, in its discretion, destroy or cause to be destroyed, or otherwise disposed of, any and all abandoned applications, closed case files, communications, information, memoranda, records, reports, paid checks, and files, in the office of the state department of public welfare when and as they become three (3) or more completed fiscal years old and which, in the opinion of the state board of public welfare, are no longer useful or necessary.
Laws, 1948, ch. 404; Laws, 1964, ch. 445.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-30) › Section 43-1-25 - Assistant prosecutors for prosecution of fraud in connection with assistance programs; investigation and prosecution costs to be subsidized

All political subdivisions of the state, or combinations of political subdivisions, are authorized to employ assistant prosecutors to prosecute for the crimes under Section
97-19-71
and the state department of public welfare is authorized to contract with any political subdivision to subsidize payment for the reasonable and necessary cost of prosecutions and investigations in any program where federal matching funds are available.
Laws, 1981, ch. 530, § 3, eff. 7/1/1981.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-30) › Section 43-1-27 - Action maintainable by department of public welfare to recover benefits wrongfully obtained; attorney's fees; evidence

(1)
Any sums paid to or on behalf of any person, entity or subgrantee or the value of any aid or benefit or services obtained or received under any state or federally funded assistance program as a result of any false statement, misrepresentation, concealment of a material fact, failure to disclose assets, or by whatever means, becomes a debt due to the state department of public welfare. The amount of value of any assistance shall be recoverable from the recipient or his estate in a civil action brought in the name of the state department of public welfare pursuant to this section. In the event such action is brought, the department shall be entitled to recover, in addition to the amount of assistance, a reasonable amount of attorney's fees and its cost incurred therein. Where an attorney from the county attorney's office represents the department in such action, the attorney's fee awarded shall be for the use and benefit of that particular office and shall be forwarded to that office upon receipt by the department.
(2)
In any civil action for the recovery of the amount of value of any aid or benefits or services improperly paid to the recipient, proof that a conviction or guilty plea on a misdemeanor or felony charge under Section
97-19-71
shall be deemed prima facie evidence that such assistance was improperly obtained under the provision of this section.
(3)
Repayment of the assistance improperly obtained pursuant to this section shall not constitute a defense to or ground of dismissal of criminal charges brought under Section
97-19-71
.
For purposes of this and other related sections, any food stamp and coupons issued under a food stamp plan administered by the state department of public welfare shall conclusively be the property of the State of Mississippi.
Laws, 1983, ch. 408, §§ 1-4, eff. 3/25/1983.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-30) › Section 43-1-29 - Offline electronic benefit transfer (EBT)

(1)
The Department of Human Services shall develop an offline electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system for the food stamp program in Mississippi as an alternative to issuing food stamp coupons. The EBT system developed by the department under this section shall (a) provide that food stamp benefits are encoded on computer microchips embedded in reusable plastic cards (intelligent benefit cards) and are electronically accessed by households at the point of sale through the use of such cards; and (b) meet all requirements and standards specified in 7 USCS Section 2026(f) and the rules and regulations issued under that provision for approval by the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture as a demonstration project.
(2)
The department shall finish development of the EBT system no later than November 1, 1993, and shall submit an application to the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture for approval to operate the system as a demonstration project. If the EBT system is approved as a demonstration project, the department shall implement and operate the system in one (1) county selected by the department. After the demonstration project has been in operation for one (1) year, the department shall evaluate the EBT system and report to the Legislature on the operation of the system.
(3)
The department shall seek to obtain the maximum amount of federal financial participation available to fund the cost of administering the EBT system.
Laws, 1993, ch. 383, § 2, eff. 7/1/1993.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › IN GENERAL (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-30) › Section 43-1-29.1 - Department of Human Services authorized to develop pilot program to track usage of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits

The Department of Human Services, is authorized, in its discretion, to develop a pilot program to track recipients of assistance under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. The tracking pilot program, if established, shall:
(a)
Track the recipients' usage of SNAP benefits from the time they first receive the benefits, the length of time that they receive the benefits, when they terminate participation in the SNAP program, and patterns of usage while receiving the benefits.
(b)
Follow the recipients after termination of participation in the SNAP program, to the extent feasible, to attempt to discover the paths that they take after leaving the SNAP program and the patterns of return to the SNAP program, including the factors that may influence these paths and patterns.
(c)
On or before December 1 of each year, the Department of Human Services shall provide summaries of the information obtained under the tracking pilot program during the previous fiscal year to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Chairmen of the House Public Health and Human Services Committee, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, the House Medicaid Committee and the House Select Committee on Poverty, and shall provide more detailed information to any of those persons upon request.
Laws, 2010, ch. 469, § 1, eff. 7/1/2010.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › MANDATORY STATE SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS TO AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED PERSONS (§§ 43-1-31 — 43-1-41) › Section 43-1-31 - Purpose of law; contracts with, and payment by, federal authority

The purpose of Sections
43-1-31
through
43-1-37
is to provide that this state shall be eligible for medicaid payments pursuant to Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act with respect to expenditures for any quarter beginning after December 1973. The state department of public welfare shall negotiate an agreement with the secretary of health, education and welfare which shall provide that this state will provide to aged, blind and disabled individuals residing in this state, who for the month of December 1973 were eligible to receive and were recipients of aid or assistance under this state's plan approved under Titles I, X and XIV, mandatory state supplementary payments for each month beginning with January 1974, pursuant to Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act, in an amount determined in accordance with section 3(1) in order to maintain income levels equal to that of December 1973.
From and after July 1, 1974, mandatory state supplementary payments herein provided for shall be made by the appropriate federal authority, and the state department of public welfare is hereby directed to enter into contract with such federal authority to provide therefor.
Laws, 1974, ch. 301, § 1, eff. 1/29/1974.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › MANDATORY STATE SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS TO AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED PERSONS (§§ 43-1-31 — 43-1-41) › Section 43-1-33 - Definitions

As used in Sections
43-1-31
through
43-1-37
:
(a)
"Aged, blind or disabled individual" shall mean any individual who would be so defined in section 1614(a) of the federal Social Security Act.
(b)
"December 1973 income" shall mean an amount equal to the aggregate of:
(i)
the amount of the aid or assistance in the form of money payments which such individual would have received, including any part of such amount which is attributable to meeting "special needs" or "special circumstances" as defined in Public Law 93-66, under a plan approved under Title I, X or XIV of the Social Security Act, if the terms and conditions of such plan relating to eligibility for and amount of such aid or assistance payable thereunder were for the month of December 1973 the same as those in effect under such plan for the month of June 1973, and
(ii)
the amount of the income of such individual other than the aid or assistance described in subparagraph (i) received by such individual in December 1973, minus any such income which did not result, but which if properly reported would have resulted in a reduction in the amount of such aid or assistance.
Laws, 1974, ch. 301, § 2, eff. 1/29/1974.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › MANDATORY STATE SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS TO AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED PERSONS (§§ 43-1-31 — 43-1-41) › Section 43-1-35 - Amount of payments

(1)
The amount of the mandatory state supplementary payment in the case of any eligible individual or couple for any month shall be equal to the amount by which such individual's or couple's December 1973 income (as defined in Section
43-1-33
) exceeds the amount to which such individual or couple is entitled under Title XVI for such month and the amount of any income of such individual for such month.
(2)
If for any month after December 1973 there is a change with respect to any special need or special circumstance as defined in Section
43-1-33(b)(i)
which, if such change had existed in December 1973, would have caused a reduction in the amount of such individual's aid or assistance payment; then, for such month and for each month thereafter, the amount of the mandatory minimum state supplementary payment payable to such individual may be reduced by an amount by which the payment would have been reduced by reason of such change.
Laws, 1974, ch. 301, § 3, eff. 1/29/1974.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › MANDATORY STATE SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS TO AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED PERSONS (§§ 43-1-31 — 43-1-41) › Section 43-1-37 - When person becomes ineligible to receive payments

An individual eligible for mandatory state supplementary payments from the state beginning in January 1974 shall not be eligible for such payments:
(a)
the next succeeding month after the individual dies, or
(b)
the next succeeding month after such individual ceases to be an aged, blind or disabled individual, or
(c)
during any entire month in which such individual is not a resident of this state, or
(d)
the next succeeding month after such individual's benefits under Title XVI, together with other income, equal or exceed such individual's December 1973 income as herein defined.
Laws, 1974, ch. 301, § 4, eff. 1/29/1974.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › MANDATORY STATE SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS TO AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED PERSONS (§§ 43-1-31 — 43-1-41) › Section 43-1-41 - Regional food bank grant program; purpose; funding; use of grants; standards for food purchases made through program; allocation of money

(1)
As used in this section, the term "regional food banks" means the three (3) Feeding America partner food banks that serve Mississippi, including Feeding the Gulf Coast, Mid-South Food Bank, and Mississippi Food Network, which are nonprofit organizations that solicit, warehouse and redistribute eligible food to agencies in Mississippi that feed families and individuals who qualify based on federal guidelines.
(2)
Subject to the appropriation of federal funds for that purpose, the Department of Human Services shall establish a grant program for regional food banks to provide annual grant funding to the regional food banks for the purchase, transportation, storage and distribution of food in Mississippi. Grants shall be made from federal funds available to the department for such purpose. Grants made pursuant to the program shall be used only for the purchase of food or agricultural commodities for repackaging or processing, or both, of food for distribution to emergency food providers serving Mississippi and program participants residing in Mississippi.
(3)
The department shall administer the program and shall use not more than one percent (1%) of the funds made available for the program for expenses of administering the program.
(4)
All food purchases made through the use of program funds shall be made in accordance with the following standards:
(a)
Procurement from Mississippi-based food sources shall be given preference when available and at a reasonable cost;
(b)
Food shall be purchased at wholesale prices or competitive bid prices or better; and
(c)
Funds for food and food provided through this program shall be used to supplement and not replace funds for food or food provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's federal commodities program.
(5)
The department shall allocate money to regional food banks based on population, food insecurity rates, and county service areas. The annual percentage formula for each nonprofit food bank shall be calculated on a pro rata basis by dividing the total number of food insecure persons in the food bank's service area by the total number of food insecure persons in the state. The data for this formula shall be derived from the latest available data from Feeding America.
(6)
Not more than seven percent (7%) of the grant funds made available through the program to a regional food bank shall be used by any regional food bank for the payment of administrative and incidental costs.
(7)
No regional food bank shall charge any person who is eligible under the program for food or encourage any eligible person to contribute money in order to receive food under the program.
Added by Laws, 2021, ch. 307, SB 2221,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2021.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-51 - [Repealed]

Laws, 1986, ch. 500, § 36; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 65; Laws, 1998, ch. 516, § 1; Laws, 2008, ch. 541, § 3, eff. 7/1/2008.
Repealed by Laws, 2023, ch. 516, HB 1149,§ 107, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-53 - [Repealed]

Laws, 1986, ch. 500, § 37; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 66; Laws, 1998, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 3/31/1998.
Repealed by Laws, 2023, ch. 516, HB 1149,§ 107, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-55 - [Repealed]

Laws, 1986, ch. 500, § 38; Laws, 2004, ch. 489, § 1; Laws, 2006, ch. 589, § 2; Laws, 2006, ch. 600, § 1; Laws, 2009, ch. 364, § 1; Laws, 2010, ch. 461, § 1; Laws, 2012, ch. 470, § 6, eff. 6/30/2012.
Amended by Laws, 2019, ch. 420, HB 571,§ 10, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Laws, 2015, ch. 403, SB 2199, 5, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-57 - [Repealed]

Laws, 1986, ch. 500, § 39, eff. 7/1/1986.
Repealed by Laws, 2023, ch. 516, HB 1149,§ 107, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-59 - [Repealed]

Laws, 1986, ch. 500, § 40; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 67, eff. 7/1/1989.
Repealed by Laws, 2023, ch. 516, HB 1149,§ 107, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-61 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 500, § 41(4), eff. 1/1/1987.
Laws, 1986, ch. 500, § 41.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-63 - [Repealed]

Laws, 2002, ch. 509, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
Repealed by Laws, 2023, ch. 516, HB 1149,§ 107, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-65 - Mississippi Child Care Quality Step System established by requiring Department of Human Services Office for Children and Youth to develop and implement pilot voluntary quality rating system (QRS)

The Department of Human Services shall establish the Mississippi Child Care Quality Step System by requiring the Office for Children and Youth of the Department of Human Services, the lead agency for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), to develop and implement a pilot voluntary Quality Rating System (QRS). The purpose of the pilot system will be to improve the quality of all licensed early care and education and after-school programs. The system is to be phased in over the next five (5) years beginning July 1, 2006, subject to appropriation. The QRS criteria will be the basis, at minimum, for the QRS, and shall address the following components: administrative policy, professional development, learning environment, and parental involvement and evaluation.
In addition, the Office for Children and Youth shall develop and administer funds, based on appropriation, to create a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) statewide system in collaboration with community and junior colleges, universities, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, state agencies and/or nonprofit community entities. The CCR&R agencies shall provide training specific to the QRS criteria to enable early care and education program quality to improve as measured by the QRS system; and offer parent education information and training on what a quality early care and education program comprises and how to identify one. This program shall begin July 1, 2006, subject to appropriation.
Laws, 2006, ch. 504, § 16; reenacted without change, Laws, 2009, ch. 345, § 35, eff. 6/30/2009.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 1 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-1-101) › DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 43-1-51 — 43-1-67) › Section 43-1-67 - Office of Children and Youth to conduct needs assessment to determine need for program to provide incentives to certain teachers/directors who make educational advancements listed in QRS criteria

The Office for Children and Youth of the Department of Human Services shall conduct a needs assessment to determine the need for an incentive program, which would allow participating early care and education programs in the Quality Rating System (QRS) access to funds to provide incentives to teachers/directors that make educational advancements that are listed in the QRS criteria. If determined to be feasible and depending on the availability of funds, guidelines for such an incentive program shall be developed by the Office for Children and Youth.
Laws, 2006, ch. 504, § 17; reenacted without change, Laws, 2009, ch. 345, § 36, eff. 6/30/2009.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ADJUSTMENT CENTER FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-15) › Section 43-3-1 - Short title

Sections
43-3-1
through
43-3-15
shall be cited as "The Adjustment Center for the Blind Law of 1968."
Codes, 1942, § 6708-61; Laws, 1968, ch. 436, § 1, eff. 7/1/1968.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ADJUSTMENT CENTER FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-15) › Section 43-3-3 - Declaration of public policy

It is declared that the state public welfare demands and the state public policy requires that a state facility be built and a state program be established that can teach and assist individuals who are blind to adjust to and become a useful part of society; that in addition to existing facilities and vocational and rehabilitation programs for individuals who are blind in Mississippi, an Adjustment Center for Individuals who are Blind is needed to assist those persons in adopting attitudes, behavior patterns, and otherwise becoming acclimated for a full, more useful and productive life.
Codes, 1942, § 6708-62; Laws, 1968, ch. 436, § 2, eff. 7/1/1968; Laws, 2002, ch. 463, § 23, eff. 7/1/2002.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ADJUSTMENT CENTER FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-15) › Section 43-3-5 - Establishment, maintenance, and control of facility

The directors of the University of Mississippi Medical School and Teaching Hospital, with the direction of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, may establish, maintain and supervise an Adjustment Center for Individuals who are Blind at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, and shall jointly govern the facility.
The governing authorities shall appoint a director and shall employ such other technical, professional and clerical assistance as may be required from time to time and fix their duties and compensation. All employees and other personnel must be qualified by education and experience.
Codes, 1942, § 6708-63; Laws, 1968, ch. 236, § 3, eff. 7/1/1968; Laws, 2002, ch. 463, § 24, eff. 7/1/2002.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ADJUSTMENT CENTER FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-15) › Section 43-3-7 - Rules and regulations

The governing authorities shall promulgate such reasonable rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the intent of Sections
43-3-1
through
43-3-15
. Any such rules and regulations shall be published and kept on file in the office of the director and shall be available to the general public on demand.
Codes, 1942, § 6708-64; Laws, 1968, ch. 236, § 4, eff. 7/1/1968.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ADJUSTMENT CENTER FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-15) › Section 43-3-9 - Medical school and hospital personnel to cooperate in carrying out intent of law

The directors, professors, physicians, and all other personnel employed at the University of Mississippi Medical School and Teaching Hospital shall offer full cooperation to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services in carrying out the intent of Sections
43-3-1
through
43-3-15
.
Codes, 1942, § 6708-65; Laws, 1968, ch. 236, § 5, eff. 7/1/1968; Laws, 2002, ch. 463, § 25, eff. 7/1/2002.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ADJUSTMENT CENTER FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-15) › Section 43-3-11 - Acquisition of public funds for constructing and equipping center; acceptance of gifts and grants

The agencies named or referred to are authorized separately or collectively to cooperate with any agency or instrumentality of the state or of the United States government in acquiring public funds for use in the constructing and equipping of the Adjustment Center for Individuals who are Blind and for use in the subsequent administration and operation incidental to carrying out the provisions of Sections
43-3-1
through
43-3-15
. Grants or donations to the center may be accepted from individuals, firms, corporations, foundations and other interested organizations and societies.
Codes, 1942, § 6708-66; Laws, 1968, ch. 236, § 6, eff. 7/1/1968; Laws, 2002, ch. 463, § 26, eff. 7/1/2002.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ADJUSTMENT CENTER FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-15) › Section 43-3-13 - Department of Finance and Administration authorized to build facility; funds appropriated or granted to be deposited in State Treasury

The Department of Finance and Administration is authorized to build a suitable facility, and payment for construction of that building shall be made from any money made available for this purpose.
Any funds appropriated or granted from any source for purposes of Sections
43-3-1
through
43-3-15
shall be deposited into a fund in the State Treasury to be designated The Adjustment Center for Individuals who are Blind Fund.
Codes, 1942, § 6708-67; Laws, 1968, ch. 236, § 7, eff. 7/1/1968; Laws, 2002, ch. 463, § 27, eff. 7/1/2002.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ADJUSTMENT CENTER FOR THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-15) › Section 43-3-15 - Construction of law

This law shall be construed to be supplemental and in addition to any present laws governing the agencies specified in Sections
43-3-1
through
43-3-15
. Whenever a conflict exists between such sections and any of said present laws, the provisions of Sections
43-3-1
through
43-3-15
will control.
Codes, 1942, § 6708-68; Laws, 1968, ch. 236, § 8, eff. 7/1/1968.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-51 - Statewide system of aid

For the purpose of providing for blind persons in need, a statewide system of aid to the needy blind is hereby established and shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of this state to operate with due regard to the varying conditions and costs of living, to be financed by state appropriations therefor, and to be administered by the State Department of Public Welfare.
Codes, 1942, § 7248; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-53 - Definitions

When used herein, the term "State Department" means the State Department of Public Welfare.
"County department" means the county board of public welfare and the county welfare agent of each of the several counties in this state.
"Applicant" means a person who has applied for assistance under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
.
"Recipient" means a person who has received assistance under the terms of Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
.
"Ophthalmologist" means a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state and who is actively engaged in the treatment of diseases of the human eye.
"Assistance" means money payments, including vendor payments, made to or in behalf of needy blind persons hereunder.
Codes, 1942, § 7249; Laws, 1938, ch. 181; Laws, 1962, ch. 563, § 1, eff. 4/25/1962.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-55 - Eligibility for assistance to the needy blind

Assistance shall be granted under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
to any person who:
(a)
Has no vision or whose vision, with correcting glasses is so defective as to prevent the performance of ordinary activities for which eyesight is essential;
(b)
Has not sufficient income or other resources to provide a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health;
(c)
Is not an inmate of any public institution at the time of receiving assistance except as a patient in a public medical institution, or is not a patient in any institution for tuberculosis or mental diseases, or is not a patient in any medical institution as a result of having been diagnosed as having tuberculosis or psychosis. In the event the federal Social Security Act, or other appropriate federal statutes are so amended as to permit funds appropriated by Congress to be used for assistance to blind persons who are inmates of public institutions, then being an inmate of any such institution shall not disqualify any such person for assistance. An inmate of such an institution may, however, make application for such assistance but the assistance, if granted, shall not begin until after he ceases to be an inmate;
(d)
Is not receiving old age assistance;
(e)
Has not made an assignment or transfer of property for the purpose of rendering himself eligible for assistance under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
at any time within two (2) years immediately prior to the filing of application for assistance pursuant to the provisions of said sections.
Codes, 1942, § 7250; Laws, 1938, ch. 181; Laws, 1960, ch. 439, § 2.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-57 - Amount of assistance

The amount of assistance which any needy blind person shall receive shall be determined by the county department with due regard to the resources and necessary expenditures of the individual and the conditions existing in each case and in accordance with the rules and regulations made by the state department, and shall be only sufficient, when added to all other income and support of the recipient, to provide such persons with a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health. In making such determination the state department shall disregard the earned income specified by the federal Social Security Act, as amended, and may disregard any other income of the recipient as specified in the federal Social Security Act, as amended.
Codes, 1942, § 7251; Laws, 1938, ch. 181; Laws, 1952, ch. 386; Laws, 1962, ch. 563, § 2; Laws, 1968, ch. 562, § 7, eff. 7/30/1968.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-59 - Duties of State Department of Public Welfare

The state department shall:
(a)
Supervise the administration of assistance to the needy blind under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
by the county departments;
(b)
Make such rules and regulations and take such action as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the provisions of Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
. All rules and regulations made by the state department shall be binding on the counties and shall be complied with by the respective county departments;
(c)
Designate the procedure to be followed in securing a competent medical examination for the purpose of determining blindness in the individual applicant for assistance;
(d)
Establish minimum standards for personnel employed by the state and county departments in the administration of Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
and make necessary rules and regulations to maintain such standards;
(e)
Prescribe the form of and print and supply to the county departments such forms as it may deem necessary and advisable;
(f)
Cooperate with the federal government in matters of mutual concern pertaining to assistance to the needy blind, including the adoption of such methods of administration as are found by the federal government to be necessary for the efficient operation of the plan for such assistance;
(g)
Make such reports, in such form and containing such information, as the federal government may from time to time require and comply with such provisions as the federal government may from time to time find necessary to assure the correctness and verification of such reports;
(h)
Publish an annual report and such interim reports as may be necessary;
(i)
Promulgate rules and regulations stating, in terms of ophthalmic measurements, the amount of visual acuity which an applicant may have and still be eligible for assistance under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
.
Codes, 1942, § 7252; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-61 - Duties of county departments

The county departments shall:
(a)
Administer the provisions of Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
in the respective counties subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the state department pursuant to the provisions of said sections;
(b)
Report to the state department at such times and in such manner and form as the state department may from time to time direct.
Codes, 1942, § 7253; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-63 - Application for assistance

Application for assistance under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
shall be made to the county department of the county in which the applicant resides. The application shall be in writing or reduced to writing in the manner and upon the form prescribed by the state department. Such application shall contain a statement of the amount of property, both personal and real, in which the applicant has an interest and of all income which he may have at the time of the filing of the application, and such other information as may be required by the state department.
Codes, 1942, § 7254; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-65 - Investigation of applications

Whenever a county department receives an application for assistance under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
, an investigation and record shall promptly be made of the circumstances of the applicant in order to ascertain the facts supporting the application and in order to obtain such other information as may be required by the rules of the state department.
Codes, 1942, § 7255; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-67 - Examination by ophthalmologist or optometrist

No application shall be approved until the applicant has been examined by an ophthalmologist or by a licensed optometrist designated or approved by the state department to make such examinations, and said applicant shall be permitted to choose whether the examination will be made by an ophthalmologist or by an optometrist. The examining ophthalmologist or optometrist shall certify in writing upon forms provided by the state department the findings of the examination.
This section shall apply to all state, county, or municipal agencies handling or administering public or private funds or private agencies handling public funds in connection with any of their visual care programs for children or adults. Sections
73-51-1
through
73-51-5
, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall apply in actions to correct any violation of this section.
Codes, 1942, § 7256; Laws, 1938, ch. 181; Laws, 1952, ch. 385; Laws, 1966, ch. 608, § 1, eff. 2/25/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-69 - Granting of assistance

Upon the completion of such investigation the county department shall decide whether the applicant is eligible for assistance under the provisions of Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
, and determine in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state department the amount of such assistance and the date on which such assistance shall begin. The county department shall notify the applicant of its decision. Such assistance shall be paid monthly to the applicant upon the order of the county department from funds allocated to the county department for this purpose.
Codes, 1942, § 7257; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-71 - Assistance not assignable

Assistance granted under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
shall not be transferable or assignable, at law or in equity, and none of the money paid or payable under said sections shall be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment or other legal process, or to the operation of any bankruptcy or insolvency law.
Codes, 1942, § 7258; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-73 - Appeal to the State Department of Public Welfare

If an application is not acted upon by the county department within a reasonable time after the filing of the application, or is denied in whole or in part, or if any award of assistance is modified or canceled under any provision of Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
, the applicant or recipient may appeal to the state department in the manner and form prescribed by the state department. The state department shall, upon receipt of such appeal, give the applicant or recipient reasonable notice and 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 investigation 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 Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
. Applicants or recipients affected by such decisions of the state department shall, upon request, be given reasonable notice and opportunity for a fair hearing by the state department.
All decisions of the state department shall be final and shall be binding upon the county involved and shall be complied with by the county department.
Codes, 1942, § 7259; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-75 - Periodic reconsideration and changes in amount of assistance

All assistance grants made under Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
shall be reconsidered by the county department as frequently as may be required by the rules of the state department. After such further investigation as the county department may deem necessary or the state department may require, the amount of assistance may be changed or assistance may be entirely withdrawn if the state or county departments find that the recipient's circumstances have altered sufficiently to warrant such action.
Codes, 1942, § 7260; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-77 - Reexamination as to eyesight

A recipient shall submit to a reexamination as to his eyesight when required to do so by the county or the state department. He shall also furnish any information required by the county department or by the state department.
Codes, 1942, § 7261; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-79 - Recovery from a recipient

If at any time during the continuance of assistance the recipient thereof becomes possessed of any property or income in excess of the amount stated in the application provided for in Section
43-3-63
, it shall be the duty of the recipient immediately to notify the county department of the receipt or possession of such property or income and the county department may, after investigation, either cancel the assistance or alter the amount thereof in accordance with the circumstances. Any assistance paid after the recipient has come into possession of such property or income and in excess of his need shall be recoverable by the county as a debt due to the state and the federal government in proportion to the amount of the assistance paid by each respectively.
Codes, 1942, § 7262; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-81 - Fraudulent acts

Whoever knowingly obtains, or attempts to obtain, or aids, or abets any person to obtain by means of a wilfully false statement or representation or by impersonation, or other fraudulent device, assistance to which he is not entitled, or assistance greater than that to which he is justly entitled, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or be imprisoned for not more than four (4) months, or be both so fined and imprisoned in the discretion of the court. In assessing the penalty, the court shall take into consideration, among other factors, the amount of money fraudulently received.
Codes, 1942, § 7263; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-83 - Receipt and disposition of federal and other funds and manner of disbursing same

Federal and other funds shall be received, disposed of, and disbursed in the same manner as is provided for the handling of funds for the needy aged in Sections
43-9-33
through
43-9-37
. Any funds paid to any applicant under the provisions of Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
shall be paid from the funds appropriated to the state department of public welfare, and the amount paid to each applicant coming under the provisions of Sections
43-3-51
through
43-3-91
shall be on the same basis as the amount paid to other applicants similarly situated.
Codes, 1942, § 7264; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-85 - and 43-3-87 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1983, ch. 422, § 10, eff. 7/1/1983.
§ 43-3-85. [Codes, 1942, § 7265; Laws, 1938, ch. 181] § 43-3-87. [Codes, 1942, § 7266; Laws, 1938, ch. 181]
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-89 - Detailed report to the Legislature

The State Board of Public Welfare shall make a detailed report to the Legislature each year in which it convenes, showing all appropriations and donations received and how same have been expended, and covering its activities and accomplishments and making recommendations therein for the further improvement of the conditions of the blind in the state.
Codes, 1942, § 7267; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 43 - PUBLIC WELFARE (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-NEW01-012) › Chapter 3 - BLIND PERSONS (§§ 43-3-1 — 43-3-111) › ASSISTANCE TO THE BLIND (§§ 43-3-51 — 43-3-93) › Section 43-3-91 - Donations may be received and expended

The State Board of Public Welfare is hereby authorized and empowered to receive donations from any and all sources and expend same for the purpose herein outlined.
Codes, 1942, § 7268; Laws, 1938, ch. 181.