MS HB915

Changes requirement for child welfare agencies to "may" facilitate powers of attorney rather than "must" facilitate them for parents delegating care and custody of children.

Allows parents or legal custodians to delegate parental powers through a power of attorney to another person, except for marriage consent, abortion, and termination of parental rights.

Requires full criminal history and child abuse and neglect background checks on non-relatives designated as attorney-in-fact or persons over age 15 residing in the attorney-in-fact's home.

Power of attorney must be filed with youth court in the county where the child resides with no filing fee, and must be administratively reviewed by youth court judge or referee one year after execution to ensure child safety.

Effective July 1, 2020.