Senate Bill 2198

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO OVERSEE AND ADMINISTER THE STATE'S HANDLE WITH CARE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSIONER TO PERFORM CERTAIN DUTIES INCLUDING DIRECTING AND OVERSEEING THE ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STATE'S HANDLE WITH CARE PROGRAM AND EMPLOYING ONE OR MORE PERSONS DEEMED NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM; TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER TO COORDINATE WITH THE MISSISSIPPI COMMISSION ON CHILDREN'S JUSTICE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OR ADMINISTRATION OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT NOTHING IN THIS ACT SHALL REQUIRE THE LEGISLATURE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the Department of Public Safety oversees and administers the state's Handle with Care program.

(2) (a) The Commissioner shall:

(i) Direct and oversee the administration and implementation of the state's Handle with Care program;

(ii) Designate one or more persons deemed necessary to administer the program;

(iii) Establish and coordinate education and training of law enforcement and other parties considered necessary for implementation of the program;

(iv) Apply for grant funding necessary to support the administration and implementation of the program; and

(v) Accept and expend grants, gifts, bequests, donations and other funds from any source to ensure that the State Police can accomplish the mission of the program.

(b) The Commissioner may coordinate with the Mississippi Commission on Children's Justice in the implementation or administration of this section.

(3) Nothing in this act shall require the Legislature to appropriate funds to accomplish the purpose of this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.