MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Juvenile Justice; Appropriations

By: Representative Ford

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-21-317, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH ESTABLISHES THE JUVENILE DETENTION FUND, TO CLOSE SUCH FUND AND TO TRANSFER THE REMAINING FUNDS TO THE DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES FOR THE ADOLESCENT OFFENDER PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 43-21-317, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

43-21-317. (1) There is established in the State Treasury a fund to be known as the "Juvenile Detention Fund" which shall be administered by the Department of Public Safety. Such fund shall be used for the purposes established in this section. The Department of Public Safety shall promulgate regulations for the administration of the fund including applications for grants, the awarding of grants and any necessary forms therefor.

(2) The fund shall consist of funds which shall be appropriated by the Legislature in an amount equal to Three Dollars and Fifty Cents ($3.50) for each person in the total population of the State of Mississippi. * * *

(3) The fund shall be used for the following purposes:

(a) To provide grants to local governmental units to construct, renovate and maintain juvenile detention facilities. Grants shall be awarded on a Three Dollars and Fifty Cents ($3.50) per capita basis based on the population of the local governmental unit. Counties and municipalities are encouraged to enter into interlocal agreements to receive grants.

(b) To reduce existing indebtedness related to juvenile detention facilities of units of government with existing facilities, proposed facilities or facilities under construction.

(4) Any grants made under the provisions of this section shall be made within eighteen (18) months of the effective date of this chapter.

(5) Effective July 1, 2001, the Juvenile Detention Fund shall be abolished and all monies in the fund shall be transferred to the Division of Youth Services for the Adolescent Offenders Program created under Section 43-27-201(4).

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.