CASA Capicity Growth Program; create within the Administrative Office of Courts.

HB 1485 would create the "CASA Capacity Growth Program" within Mississippi's Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) to provide funding to local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs. The bill specifies that only CASA programs in good standing with the National CASA/GAL Association would qualify for funds, which would be distributed based on factors like the number of children in custody, children served, and active volunteers. The AOC would manage the program, oversee fund usage, and allow for administrative cost coverage through agreements with CASA Mississippi. This bill aims to strengthen local CASA programs that advocate for abused and neglected children by increasing their capacity through state funding. (Note: The bill died in committee and was not enacted.)