Appropriation; Human Services, Department of.

HB 1797 appropriates approximately $1.8 billion to the Mississippi Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2025, covering both general and special funds. The bill authorizes the hiring of over 1,700 permanent and time-limited employees while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current staff unless new funding is approved. It also mandates that the department prioritize purchases from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind, prohibits using general funds to replace withdrawn federal money, and sets specific performance targets for investigative audits and services for aging adults. Additionally, the legislation requires detailed financial record-keeping, transfers $1 million to the Department of Health for child care licensure, and bans utility allowances for employees living in state-provided housing.