MS HB87

Requires the director and investigators of the Mississippi Department of Human Services Fraud Investigation Unit to be law enforcement officers, part-time law enforcement officers, or law enforcement trainees as defined in Section 45-6-3(c)-(e) of the Mississippi Code.

Expands the Fraud Investigation Unit's responsibilities to include prevention of fraud or abuse, detection and verification, and investigation of nonfederal entities with which the department has agreements.

Mandates the unit report suspected criminal violations outside the department's purview (such as human trafficking, domestic violence, and child abuse) to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and cooperate in resulting investigations and task forces.

Clarifies the unit does not have statewide police power except as provided by law or if granted authority as a contract agent of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

Effective date: July 1, 2021.