MS HB605

Accelerates transfer of Office of Family and Children's Services functions from Department of Human Services to Department of Child Protection Services to be completed by January 1, 2018 (previously July 1, 2018).

Exempts Department of Human Services and Department of Child Protection Services from Personal Service Contract Review Board oversight through December 31, 2017, but requires notice to the board for recommendations on proposed contracts.

Exempts both departments from state personnel system rules through December 31, 2017, allowing flexibility in personnel actions during the transition period; employees hired after January 1, 2018 must meet standard State Personnel Board criteria.

Exempts both departments from Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services requirements through December 31, 2017, but requires notice to MDITS for recommendations on proposed technology actions.

Commissioner of Child Protection Services must possess either a bachelor's degree with 10 years' management/finance experience or a master's/doctoral degree with 5 years' relevant experience.