SB 2678 Summary

• Establishes the Department of Child Protection Services as a separate state agency independent from the Department of Human Services, effective July 1, 2023.

• Creates the position of Commissioner of Child Protection Services appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation, requiring either a bachelor's degree with 10 years of management/public administration experience or a master's/doctoral degree with 5 years of relevant experience.

• Transfers all child welfare functions, powers, duties, and records from the Department of Human Services to the new Department of Child Protection Services, including protective services, foster care, adoption services, and licensure.

• Makes conforming amendments throughout Mississippi Code to replace references to the Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children's Services with the Department of Child Protection Services across multiple state agencies and programs.

• Repeals sections creating the Mississippi TANF Implementation Council and the Division of Family and Children's Services within the Department of Human Services.