MS HB1127

Amends Section 43-21-609 of Mississippi Code to revise provisions for durable legal guardianship in neglect and abuse cases.

Changes language in durable legal relative guardianship findings from requiring "both reunification and adoption have been determined to be inappropriate" to "reunification has been determined to be inappropriate."

Requires durable legal relative guardians (relatives or fictive kin licensed as foster parents) to have exercised physical custody for at least six months and have Department of Child Protection Services legal custody or supervision for at least six months.

Eliminates disposition review hearing requirements for durable legal relative guardianship cases but requires the Department of Child Protection Services to conduct annual reviews and recertification to determine if guardianship remains in the child's best interest.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.