MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2015 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Human Services; Youth and Family Affairs

By: Representative Scott

House Bill 373

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE FATHERS OF CHILDREN WHO ARE RECIPIENTS OF CERTAIN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BENEFITS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE PROGRAM CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FOR A MINIMUM OF FOUR HOURS PER MONTH FOR TWELVE MONTHS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The father of each child who is a recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Medicaid assistance, or Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits shall participate in the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative program conducted by the Department of Human Services for a minimum of four (4) hours per month for twelve (12) months.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.