House Bill 154 Summary

• Creates the Mississippi Board of Human Services consisting of nine members appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation, with board members required to have expertise in human services, social work, medical care, law, or specific program knowledge.

• Board members serve staggered four-year terms with initial appointments ending between June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2016; board selects its own chairman every two years and meets monthly to provide policy direction for the Department of Human Services.

• Executive Director of Human Services is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the board; must possess strong administrative ability, knowledge of department services, understanding of legislative process, and knowledge of state and federal funding streams.

• Establishes seven minimum organizational units within the department: Office of Family and Children's Services, Office of Youth Services, Office of Economic Assistance, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Office of Aging and Adult Services, Office of Early Childhood Care and Development, and Office of Community Services.

• Heads of all bureaus and divisions must be state service employees under State Personnel Board rules; Joint Oversight Committee members may attend board meetings and participate in discussions; entire section repeals July 1, 2015.