MS HB1216

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 with concurrent terms: eight business representatives (including two from businesses with fewer than 50 employees), two worker representatives, one secondary education representative, one two-year postsecondary representative, and one four-year postsecondary representative.

Board duties include validating nationally established skill standards, convening industry groups to develop new standards, reviewing standards from other states and nations for mutual recognition agreements, promoting standards among employers, and developing a memorandum of understanding between workforce and education entities.

Board meets at least quarterly at the call of the presiding officer; members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for reasonable expenses, and the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges provides staff support.

Board shall provide annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, effective July 1, 2014.