MS HB1103

Requires businesses with 20+ full-time employees to obtain an equal pay certificate from the Department of Finance and Administration before executing state contracts exceeding $100,000.

Businesses must certify compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, demonstrate female employees' average compensation is not consistently below male employees' within job categories, and not restrict employees by sex in job classifications or promotion decisions.

Equal pay certificates are valid for 4 years; the Department must issue or reject applications within 15 days of receipt with a $150 filing fee; certificates may be suspended or revoked for non-compliance or multiple violations.

State Auditor may audit business compliance and request employee compensation data by gender and job category; the Department may void contracts awarded to non-compliant businesses and must provide technical assistance upon request.

Department must report annually to Governor and Legislature beginning January 31, 2018, detailing certificates issued, audits conducted, compliance processes, and auditing efforts; act takes effect July 1, 2017.