MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Human Services; Appropriations

By: Representative Fleming

House Bill 139

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A GRANT PROGRAM FOR PARENTS WHO ARE RECEIVING TANF BENEFITS AND AT-RISK PARENTS TO ASSIST THOSE PARENTS WITH THE COST OF PROVIDING FOR CHILD CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  (1)  There is established a grant program for parents who are receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits and at-risk parents to assist those parents with the cost of providing for child care for their children.

     (2)  The grant program shall be administered by the Office of Family and Children's Services of the Department of Human Services.  The department shall adopt such rules and regulations as necessary for the administration of the program.  The amount of the grants shall be determined by the Office of Family and Children's Services, and the grants shall be awarded on a first come, first served basis to qualified applicants.

     (3)  There is created in the State Treasury a special fund, in which any funds made available for the grant program will be maintained. 

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.