MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Human Services

By: Representative Zuber

House Bill 1171

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-19-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS APPOINTED TO A REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION BY THE BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS OF THE PARTICIPATING COUNTIES IF THE COMMISSION CONSISTS OF ONLY TWO COUNTIES THAT BORDER THE STATE OF ALABAMA; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 41-19-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     41-19-35.  (1)  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2), the board of supervisors of each participating county in the program shall appoint one (1) member to represent its county on the regional commission in its respective region for a term of four (4) years.  Any compensation of such members shall be paid by the regional commission, in its discretion, from any funds available.

     (2)  Beginning on July 1, 2023, each regional commission consisting of only two (2) counties that border the State of Alabama shall be comprised of five (5) members.  The board of supervisors of each participating county described in this subsection shall appoint two (2) members to represent its respective county on the commission, and an additional member shall be appointed by the board of supervisors of the county having the largest population according to the latest federal decennial census.  Appointees to the regional commission under this subsection shall serve for a term of four (4) years.  Any compensation of such members shall be paid by the regional commission, in its discretion, from any available funds.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.