MS HB1298

Establishes the Mississippi Advisory Council on Faith-Based Initiatives within the Office of the Governor to advise on policies and priorities for enlisting faith-based and community organizations to deliver services.

Council composed of 25 members: 17 appointed by the Governor, 4 by the Lieutenant Governor, and 4 by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority.

Principal functions include developing faith-based and community programs, ensuring state policy considers their capacity to assist state priorities, identifying best practices in service delivery, and recommending policy changes affecting service delivery to underserved populations.

Council may request information from state agencies, hold hearings, establish task forces, and conduct analyses; may receive gifts, grants, and donations; members are unpaid unless specifically appropriated by Legislature or funded through donations.

Council must submit annual written report by December 1 to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker summarizing activities and recommendations; cannot make recommendations conflicting with the First Amendment Establishment Clause or Mississippi Constitution Section 18.