MS HB6

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

Board composition includes 13 members appointed by the Governor: 8 business representatives (including 2 from small businesses with fewer than 50 employees), 2 worker representatives, and 1 representative each from secondary education, two-year public postsecondary education, and four-year public 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, promoting use of credentials among employers, and developing a memorandum of understanding between workforce and education entities.

Board members serve terms concurrent with the Governor's term and receive no compensation but are reimbursed for reasonable expenses; the Mississippi Community College Board provides staff support.

Board must meet at least quarterly and provide periodic reports to the Governor and annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and Mississippi Community College Board; effective July 1, 2016.