On Tuesday, Mississippi legislators convened at the Capitol for a comprehensive hearing aimed at assessing progress and shaping future policies to support women, children, and families across the state. The Senate’s Women, Children, and Families Study Committee led the session, gathering insights from leaders in child welfare, public health, juvenile justice, and economic development.
Key officials scheduled to speak included heads from the state’s Child Protective Services (CPS), the Department of Health, juvenile courts, and the Attorney General’s Office. Senator Nicole Boyd (R), who chairs the committee, outlined the agenda, which spans mental wellness, childcare accessibility, infant mortality reduction, and systemic reform in youth justice and preventive services.
Since its formation following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, the committee has worked toward sustainable, economically sound policy frameworks. Boyd emphasized the importance of crafting initiatives that remain effective over decades, stating, “We’re seeking good policies that will be economically viable, but also continue to work 10, 20 years from now.”
A major focus of the hearing was CPS reform, particularly improvements since the landmark Olivia Y. lawsuit. Andrea Sanders, Commissioner of CPS, provided testimony on advancements made in protecting children within the foster care system. The 2004 federal case, filed in the Southern District of Mississippi, challenged the state’s failure to safeguard youth in custody and deliver constitutionally mandated services, seeking structural changes rather than financial compensation.
Bob Anderson, head of the Department of Human Services, addressed childcare challenges, while representatives from the Mississippi Economic Development Council discussed the potential economic benefits of enacting a child tax credit.
Dr. Daniel Edney, the State Health Officer, highlighted efforts to combat Mississippi’s high infant mortality rate, currently at 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births—well above the national average of 5.5. In August, rising figures prompted a formal public health emergency declaration.
The Department of Mental Health also presented data on addiction and psychological well-being, contributing to a broader understanding of community health needs. Additionally, a proposal was introduced to integrate mandatory financial literacy education into school curricula.
The committee also explored ways to reduce administrative inefficiencies, aligning with Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann’s (R) goal of streamlining state operations during the upcoming 2026 legislative session. Boyd acknowledged ongoing progress but stressed that significant work remains.
The hearing began at 1 p.m. and is part of a continuing effort to implement both incremental and transformative changes to state regulations affecting families.
— news from Magnolia Tribune
— News Original —
Lawmakers continue work to improve economic viability of Mississippi’s women, children and families
A hearing at the Capitol on Tuesday will provide lawmakers insight into efforts to address mental health, childcare, infant mortality and more. n nThe state Senate Women, Children, and Families Study Committee will hold a wide-ranging hearing on Tuesday at the Capitol. n nSeveral experts are expected to testify, including agency heads from Mississippi’s Child Protective Services (CPS), Health Department, juvenile courts, and the Attorney General’s Office during the scheduled meeting. n nThe agenda, said state Senator Nicole Boyd (R), chair of the committee, will include updates on the state’s efforts on various fronts, including mental health, childcare, infant mortality, juvenile justice, and prevention. n nBoyd said Mississippi has made strides on many issues since the committee was formed after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the summer of 2022. The committee’s aim, she said, is to find long-range solutions to the problems facing women, children, and families in the Magnolia State. n n“We’re seeking good policies that will be economically viable, but also continue to work 10, 20 years from now,” said Boyd. n nThe committee is also considering ways to reduce bureaucratic red tape, a goal of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann (R), who plans to make streamlining government agencies a legislative priority during the 2026 session. n nLawmakers want to see changes that will have a positive impact on Mississippians, saying some of the policy suggestions coming from the committee will “tweak or make wholesale changes” to current rules and regulations. n nDuring Tuesday’s hearing, Senator Boyd said the committee will take a “deep dive” into the progress being made in CPS. Slated to testify is Andrea Sanders, commissioner of the state’s Department of Child Protective Services. Boyd said Sanders will inform the committee about improvements CPS has made since the Olivia Y. lawsuit and take questions from legislators. n nAccording to CPS, Olivia Y. was filed in March 2004 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Jackson, Division, against the Governor, the Executive Director of the Department of Human Services, and the Director of the MDHS, Division of Family and Children’s Services, all in their official capacities. The case alleged that Mississippi’s foster care system was failing to adequately protect children in its custody and provide necessary services in violation of their federal constitutional rights. The lawsuit sought only court-ordered changes in the system; money damages were never at issue. n nBob Anderson, executive director of the state’s Department of Human Services, is expected to testify on childcare in Mississippi while leaders from the Mississippi Economic Development Council are scheduled to discuss how the passing of child tax credit legislation could benefit Mississippi families and the state. n nDr. Daniel Edney, Mississippi’s State Health Officer, is expected to highlight efforts being made by the Department of Health to reduce the state’s high infant mortality rates, as Mississippi has one of the highest rates in the U.S. In August, state medical officials declared a state of emergency concerning Mississippi’s rising infant mortality rate at 9.7 per 1,000 births. The national average is 5.5 per 1,000 births. n nThe state Department of Mental Health will provide committee members with information on addiction and mental health issues. n nThe committee will also hear a proposal to make financial literacy mandatory in schools. n nSenator Boyd said the committee is “making significant progress, but we have a lot of work to do.” n nTuesday’s hearing gets underway at 1 p.m.