House Bill 486

AN ACT TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PILOT PROGRAM IN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE; TO DESIGNATE WHO MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE PILOT PROGRAM; TO SET BEGINNING AND ENDING DATES FOR THE PILOT PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) To the extent that federal or state funds are available therefor and pursuant to appropriation therefor by the Legislature, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce shall establish and implement the Mississippi Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Pilot Program to serve senior citizens above sixty (60) years of age who fall within one hundred thirty percent (130%) of the poverty level in the following counties:

Adams, Bolivar, Coahoma, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Issaquena, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Noxubee, Quitman and Sharkey. The department is specifically prohibited from expanding such pilot program to any counties other than those listed in this subsection. The pilot program shall begin July 1, 2003, and shall end on July 1, 2006.

(2) Before December 15, 2006, the department shall provide a detailed report to the Legislature that describes the results of the pilot program, including, but not limited to, an evaluation of whether there has been substantial participation in the pilot program by the senior citizens of the designated counties.

(3) The Commissioner of Agriculture may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the Mississippi Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Pilot Program.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.