MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare; Appropriations

By: Representative Simpson

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-4-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH THAT IS PREPARED BY THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET COMMITTEE AND THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION BILL OF THE LEGISLATURE FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO INCLUDE A LINE ITEM FOR OUT-OF-STATE SERVICES OR TREATMENT FOR STATE RESIDENTS WHO HAVE MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT ARE SO SEVERE THAT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO RECEIVE ADEQUATE TREATMENT FOR THEIR CONDITIONS AT MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES IN THE STATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 41-4-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

41-4-21. (1) For the operations of all facilities placed under the control of the department and for all of its operations, the board shall adopt a uniform system of reporting and accounting approved by the State Department of Audit, and shall prepare an annual report to the Legislature setting forth the disbursements of all moneys appropriated and specifying the facilities and activities upon which funds were expended.

(2) The board shall prepare annually, or cause to be prepared, a budget for the total operation of the department for the ensuing fiscal period in the manner and form as required by the Legislative Budget Office. The board shall include in its budget request each year a request for a line item for funds to pay for out-of-state services or treatment for those residents of the state who have mental health conditions that are so severe or acute that they are not able to receive adequate treatment for their conditions at mental health facilities in the state. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee shall include in its annual recommended state budget a line item in the budget for the department for the services described in the preceding sentence, and the Legislature shall include in the annual appropriation bill for the department a line item for the services described in the preceding sentence.

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