MS HB443

Creates the Mississippi Special Needs Housing Steering Council composed of representatives from state agencies (Governor, Mental Health, Medicaid, Attorney General, Corrections, Health, Development Authority, Home Corporation, Human Services), industry associations, disability rights organizations, and a program resident once operational.

Council shall assist the Mississippi Home Corporation in creating and administering a Special Needs Housing Program providing bridge funding and stable supported community-integrated housing for individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other special needs populations.

Identifies potential special needs populations including persons re-entering society after incarceration, persons with HIV/AIDS, homeless persons and families, and other similarly situated individuals as defined by the council.

Council receives administrative support from the Mississippi Home Corporation and funding through the Mississippi Affordable Housing Development Fund or other dedicated sustainable funding sources.

Effective July 1, 2016, with council authority codified as a new section in Chapter 33, Title 43 of the Mississippi Code.