TANF funds; DHS shall use certain amount of each year to fund grants for providing marriage counseling to military and first responder families.

HB 689 would require Mississippi's Department of Human Services to set aside $10 million annually from federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds to provide marriage counseling, preparation, and support services. It specifically directs these funds to nonprofit organizations serving military families (including active/reserve forces and National Guard) and first responder families (firefighters, EMTs, police, correctional officers, etc.). The bill mandates this funding supplement, not replace, existing support programs. The legislation died in committee in February 2026 and never became law.