MS HB478

Creates the Mississippi Special Needs Housing Steering Council composed of 14 members including representatives from state agencies (Governor's Office, Mental Health, Medicaid, Attorney General, Corrections, Health, Development Authority, Human Services), the Mississippi Home Corporation, housing and disability organizations, and a program resident once operational.

Tasks the council with cooperating with the Mississippi Home Corporation to create and administer a Special Needs Housing Program providing bridge funding and stable supported community-integrated housing for individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other special needs populations.

Defines eligible populations to include persons with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals re-entering society after incarceration, persons with HIV/AIDS, homeless persons and families, and other similarly identified individuals with special needs as determined by the council.

Designates the Mississippi Home Corporation to provide administrative support to the council and authorizes funding from the Mississippi Affordable Housing Development Fund under Section 43-33-759 or from a dedicated sustainable funding source.

Takes effect July 1, 2024 and creates a new section in Chapter 33, Title 43 of the Mississippi Code.