MS HB1491

Reenacts and consolidates Mississippi employment security laws governing unemployment compensation, workforce development, and job training programs under the Department of Employment Security within the Governor's office.

Removes the July 1, 2014 repeal date on the Mississippi Workforce Investment Board and transfers permanent authority for workforce development powers from the former Employment Security Commission to the Department of Employment Security.

Authorizes the Department of Employment Security to conduct drug testing of unemployment compensation applicants who were terminated for controlled substance use or seek jobs requiring drug testing, with positive results treated as refusal of suitable work.

Reenacts provisions for unemployment benefits calculation, eligibility requirements, disqualification procedures, and appeal processes while maintaining the weekly benefit amount framework and maximum benefit caps.

Consolidates related statutes governing TANF assistance, child support enforcement, professional licensing exemptions, economic development incentive programs, and workforce information systems under unified state administration.