MS HB62

Creates the "Self-Employment Assistance Program Act" to provide weekly allowances to unemployed individuals participating in entrepreneurial training, business counseling, and self-employment activities.

Weekly allowance equals the regular unemployment benefit amount, with aggregate payments capped at the maximum benefit amount for the benefit year and limited to individuals identified as likely to exhaust regular benefits.

Exempts participating individuals from work availability and job search requirements, but disqualifies them for weeks when they fail to actively engage in self-employment assistance activities on a full-time basis.

Limits program participation to no more than 5% of total individuals receiving regular unemployment benefits at any given time.

Establishes a 9-member Self-Employment Assistance Program Steering Committee with representatives from business organizations, the Mississippi Development Authority, and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to adopt initial program rules.