MS HB125

Amends Section 43-19-48 of the Mississippi Code to authorize the Department of Human Services to send child support encumbrance notices to financial institutions by certified mail or other communication methods approved by the financial institution, rather than certified mail only.

Allows the department to encumber and seize assets held by obligors in Mississippi financial institutions for 45 days or until a court resolves the overdue support issue if the obligor files a petition for hearing.

Expands the definition of "account" to include demand accounts, member accounts, time certificates of deposit, and share accounts held individually or jointly.

Provides financial institutions with immunity from civil liability for disclosing information or encumbering assets in response to department notices, unless the action was willful or intentional.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.