HB1013 Summary

• Separates the Department of Child Protection Services from the Department of Human Services by making technical amendments throughout Mississippi Code to reflect this organizational change and update references from "Department of Human Services" to "Department of Child Protection Services"

• Exempts personnel actions of the Department of Child Protection Services from State Personnel Board rules and regulations for one year beginning July 1, 2017, allowing flexibility for departmental reorganization and realignment

• Creates new statutory sections establishing the Department of Child Protection Services' powers and duties related to child protective services, custody, guardianship, and policy formulation, and grants the Commissioner authority over department operations including employment, rulemaking, and fund management

• Updates all relevant sections of law across multiple chapters (child welfare, adoption, youth court, licensing, health services, education, and criminal law) to accurately reflect the Department of Child Protection Services as a separate entity responsible for child protective functions