HB 1757 Summary

• Brings forward Mississippi Code sections establishing the Department of Employment Security in the Governor's Office as successor to the Employment Security Commission, transferring all powers and duties related to unemployment compensation administration.

• Establishes the Mississippi State Workforce Investment Board with 39 voting members (majority from business/industry) to develop integrated workforce development strategy and oversee four state workforce investment areas aligned with planning and development districts.

• Creates workforce development centers affiliated with community colleges to provide assessment, training, and placement services including vocational training, basic literacy education, and customized skills training for workers and businesses.

• Brings forward provisions governing unemployment compensation benefits, eligibility requirements, disqualification grounds, benefit calculations, and appeals procedures through the Department of Employment Security.

• Consolidates multiple state workforce programs including TANF implementation, employment services, child support enforcement coordination, and economic development incentive programs under unified administration effective July 1, 2010.