MS HB1577

Amends Mississippi Code Section 31-5-37 to require contractors bidding on public works projects funded by federal disaster relief, the R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Act, Oil Pollution Act, or Federal Water Pollution Control Act to submit employment plans detailing job types, skill levels, wages, and recruitment strategies.

Requires contractors to wait 10 days after contract acceptance before hiring personnel, during which the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) must submit qualified candidates for vacant positions.

Authorizes MDES to submit at least 20% minority-qualified individuals during the 10-day period, where "minority" includes Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Native American United States citizens or permanent resident aliens.

Defines minority categories: Asian (Far East, Southeast Asia, Indian subcontinent, Pacific Islands origins), Black (African origins), Hispanic (Spanish/Portuguese culture from Mexico, Central/South America, or Caribbean), and Native American (North American indigenous peoples including American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts).

Takes effect July 1, 2013.