MS HB300

Creates the Mississippi Special Needs Housing Steering Council comprised of representatives from state agencies including the Governor's Office, Department of Mental Health, Division of Medicaid, Department of Corrections, and Mississippi Home Corporation, plus representatives from housing and mental health organizations and disability rights groups.

Tasks the council with assisting 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 eligible populations for the program to include persons with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, persons with HIV/AIDS, homeless persons and families, and other similarly identified individuals with special needs as defined by the council.

Provides funding for the council and Special Needs Housing Program from the Mississippi Affordable Housing Development Fund under Section 43-33-759 or through a dedicated sustainable funding source, or both.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.