MS HB1128

Amends Mississippi Code Section 93-17-12 to increase the minimum fee for court-ordered home studies in child custody matters and adoptions from $350.00 to $1,250.00 per household.

Renames the responsible agency from Department of Human Services to Department of Child Protection Services throughout the statute.

Requires fees to be paid directly to the Department of Child Protection Services (or other entity performing the study) prior to the home study being conducted.

Allows courts to assess the fee against either or both parties at the court's discretion, or to waive the fee if both parents or guardian are unable to pay, with costs defrayed by the Department of Child Protection Services.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.