MS HB151

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: 8 from business (including 2 from firms with fewer than 50 employees and 1 each from four sector clusters), 2 representing workers, 1 from secondary education, 1 from two-year postsecondary education, and 1 from four-year postsecondary education.

Board duties include validating nationally established skill standards, convening industry groups to develop new standards, reviewing standards from other states and nations, promoting standard adoption among employers, and developing memoranda of understanding between workforce and education entities.

Board members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for mileage and reasonable expenses; Mississippi Community College Board provides staff support.

Board must meet quarterly minimum and submit periodic reports to the Governor and annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and Mississippi Community College Board; effective July 1, 2017.