MS HB144

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 composition includes 13 members appointed by the Governor: 8 from business (including 2 from businesses with fewer than 50 employees and 1 each from four sector clusters), 2 representing workers, and 1 each from secondary education, two-year postsecondary education, and four-year 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 for credential portability, and promoting use of standards among employers.

Board shall meet at least quarterly at the call of the presiding officer (appointed from business members); members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for mileage and expenses.

Mississippi Community College Board provides staff support; board must submit periodic reports to the Governor and annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and Mississippi Community College Board.