MS HB76

Creates the "Mississippi Youthbuild Act" requiring the Division of Family and Children's Services to administer programs providing disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 with employment, education, leadership development, and construction/rehabilitation training for affordable housing.

Programs must dedicate 50% of participant time to classroom instruction and 50% to on-site construction training, including basic skills, high school diploma/GED preparation, job skills, counseling, and leadership development.

Requires programs to provide participants with a training subsidy or living allowance at minimum wage for work site time and 12 months of follow-up job placement assistance after graduation.

Establishes eligibility requirements for disadvantaged youth not attending school, at risk of dropping out, or with very low income (at or below 50% of median family income); allows up to 25% of participants to be individuals with educational needs despite high school completion.

Amends Section 43-1-53 to include Mississippi Youthbuild Act responsibilities in the Division of Family and Children's Services' policy development and oversight functions; effective July 1, 2012.