MS HB1503

Creates the Mississippi Skill Standards Board as an advisory board to the Governor, Legislature, and state workforce development system to develop industry-defined skill standards and credentials for skilled occupations requiring less than a baccalaureate degree

Board consists of 13 members appointed by the Governor serving concurrent with the Governor's term: 8 business representatives (including 2 from small businesses with fewer than 50 employees), 2 worker representatives, and 1 each from secondary education, two-year postsecondary education, and four-year postsecondary education

Board duties include validating nationally established skill standards, convening industry groups to develop new standards and certification procedures, reviewing standards from other states and nations for credential portability, and promoting use of standards among employers

Board must meet quarterly at minimum at the call of the presiding officer (appointed from business members), with members receiving no compensation but reimbursement for reasonable expenses

State Board for Community and Junior Colleges provides staff support and board submits annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and State Board; effective July 1, 2013