Mississippi House Bill HB1054

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

TANF funds; require PEER Committee to review and evaluate performance outcomes of subcontracts and subgrants of.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will result in systematic evaluations every two years, providing the legislature with vital insights into the efficacy of TANF fund distributions. The outcomes of these evaluations will be documented in a comprehensive report that the committee is required to submit to the members of the legislature. The first of such reports must be delivered by February 1, 2024, creating an expectation for ongoing accountability and facilitating legislative oversight on the utilization of public funds meant for vulnerable populations. The potential to improve the management and outcomes of TANF assistance programs may lead to better support for families in need.

Summary

House Bill 1054 is a legislative act that mandates the Joint Legislative PEER Committee in Mississippi to conduct a biennial review and evaluation of the performance outcomes associated with subcontracts and subgrants from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds allocated by the Department of Human Services. The bill emphasizes accountability and aims to ensure that financial expenditures by subcontractors, subgrantees, and lower-tier subrecipients meet the specified objectives and requirements of the TANF funding. This structured oversight is intended to enhance transparency in how these funds are utilized within the state’s human services programs.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims at enhancing oversight of TANF expenditures, it may also spark discussions regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of existing frameworks within human services. One point of contention could be the balance of oversight versus the flexibility needed by agencies to effectively serve TANF beneficiaries. Moreover, stakeholders may debate the possible implications of increased scrutiny on the operational aspects of agencies managing these funds, including whether such oversight could detract from service delivery by placing heavier compliance burdens on those organizations.