MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Human Services; Ways and Means

By: Representatives Johnson, Hines, Dortch, Faulkner, Bell (65th), Clark, Rosebud

House Bill 1048

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-3-65, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO LIMIT THE INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF ANY FEE CHARGED BY THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH OR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO NO MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-20-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHILD CARE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL BE COMPRISED OF MEMBERS THAT ARE APPOINTED BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CHILD CARE PROVIDERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 41-3-65, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     41-3-65.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the State Board of Health or the State Department of Health may increase the amount of any fee charged by the board or the department for providing a service, including the issuance and renewal of licenses and registrations, not more than two (2) times during the period from July 1, * * *2016 2020, through June 30, * * *2020 2024, with the percentage of each increase being not more than * * *fifteen percent (15%) five percent (5%) of the amount of the fee in effect at the time of the increase.

     SECTION 2.  Section 43-20-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     43-20-7.  (1)  There is hereby created an advisory council which shall be appointed by the State Health Officer, who shall serve at the pleasure of the State Health Officer.

     (2)  The advisory council shall consist of twelve (12) persons, * * *six (6) of whom shall be licensed child care providers, and six (6) of whom shall represent child care professional organizations, child advocacy groups, child care associations or state agencies which provide child care funding, education or services.  No more than four (4) members shall be appointed from any one (1) state Supreme Court district who shall be appointed based on recommendations from child care providers throughout the state.

     (3)  It shall be the duty of the advisory council to assist and advise the licensing agency in the development of regulations governing the licensure and regulation of child care facilities and to advise the licensing agency on matters relative to the administration and interpretation of the provisions of this chapter.

     (4)  Members of the advisory council shall be reimbursed for mileage and expenses as is authorized by law.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.