MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Judiciary A

By: Representative Moody

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 93-17-12, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT A FEE TO BE IMPOSED FOR COURT ORDER HOME STUDIES IN CHILD CUSTODY MATTERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 93-17-12, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

93-17-12. In any child custody matter hereafter filed in any chancery or county court in which the State of Mississippi or the Department of Human Services is not a party, the court may impose a fee for any court-ordered home study performed by the Department of Human Services. The fee shall be assessed upon either party or upon both parties in the court's discretion. The minimum fee imposed shall be not less than Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($350.00) for each household on which a home study is performed. The fee shall be paid to the department at a time specified by the court.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.