MS HB951

Authorizes the Mississippi Department of Human Services to use additional communication methods (beyond certified mail) to send child support encumbrance notices to financial institutions, if the institutions allow such methods.

Expands the definition of "account" subject to asset encumbrance for past-due child support to include demand deposit accounts, checking accounts, negotiable withdrawal order accounts, savings accounts, time deposit accounts, and money-market mutual fund accounts.

Maintains the 45-day encumbrance period for seized assets, or longer if the obligor files a petition for hearing before the period expires and the financial institution receives written notice from the department.

Provides financial institutions with absolute civil immunity from liability for disclosing information or encumbering assets in response to department notices, except in cases of willful or intentional actions.

Establishes penalties of not less than $1,000 for financial institutions that fail to comply with the section's provisions or willfully provide false information.

Takes effect July 1, 2021.