MS HB162

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: eight business representatives (including two from firms with fewer than 50 employees and one each from four sector clusters), 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 and certification procedures, reviewing standards from other states and nations, promoting standards among employers with education partners, and developing memoranda of understanding between workforce and education entities.

Board members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for mileage and expenses, and the Mississippi Community College Board shall provide necessary staff support.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.