MS SB2181

Amends Section 99-19-77 of Mississippi Code to add the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Fraud Investigative Unit to the list of law enforcement agencies eligible to recoup investigative costs.

Authorizes courts to impose assessments against defendants convicted of felonies or Class I violations to cover reasonable investigation costs incurred by the department.

Recoverable costs include investigators, service of process, court reporters, expert witnesses, attorney's fees, and transportation expenses related to the criminal investigation.

Requires recovered costs to be paid to the appropriate governmental entity and used to augment existing budgets, not replace them.

Effective July 1, 2024.