Appropriation; Mental Health, Department of.

This bill appropriates over $691 million in state and special funds to support the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding authorizes the hiring of nearly 6,250 permanent and time-limited staff members while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current employees unless new positions are added. A significant portion of the money is designated for specific programs, including Medicaid payments, Alzheimer's services, crisis centers, and drug abuse education. The legislation also sets performance targets for the department, such as increasing community-based care and expanding access to crisis response teams.