MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Military Affairs
By: Representatives Baker, Sykes
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 33-4-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT MONIES IN THE MISSISSIPPI MILITARY FAMILY RELIEF FUND MAY BE USED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES THAT EXPERIENCE A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP AS A RESULT OF A FAMILY MEMBER WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE FAMILY MEMBER IS A RESIDENT OF MISSISSIPPI; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 33-4-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
33-4-1. A special fund to
be designated the "Mississippi Military Family Relief Fund" is
created in the State Treasury. The fund shall be maintained by the State
Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the General
Fund of the state. The fund shall consist of any money designated for deposit
therein from any source, including, but not limited to, money designated for
deposit therein by Section 27-7-94, and private contributions. Unexpended
amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into
the State General Fund and any interest earned or investment earnings on
amounts in the fund shall be deposited into the fund. Money in the fund shall
be under the direction of the military department. Such funds shall be paid by
the State Treasurer upon warrants issued by the Department of Finance and
Administration, based upon recommendations made by the Adjutant General. Money
in the fund shall be utilized to make grants to families that experience a
financial hardship as a result of a family member who is a * * * member of the
Mississippi National Guard or is a Mississippi resident and member of
the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States. The Adjutant General
shall establish eligibility requirements for receipt of the grants and the
amount of the grants by rule.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2017.