MS HB178

Requires businesses with 20+ employees to obtain an equal pay certificate from the Department of Finance and Administration before executing state contracts exceeding $100,000.00, with certificates valid for 4 years.

Businesses must submit a $150.00 filing fee and compliance statement signed by board chair or CEO certifying compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, demonstrating equal average compensation between male and female employees within job categories, and describing wage evaluation practices.

Department of Finance and Administration must issue or reject certificate within 15 days and may suspend or revoke certificates if businesses fail good-faith compliance efforts; State Auditor may audit contractor compliance and request detailed compensation data by gender and job category.

State may void contracts with non-compliant businesses after notification, and affected businesses may request administrative hearings within 20 days of notice of certificate suspension, revocation, or contract termination.

Department must report annually to Governor and Legislature beginning January 31, 2020, detailing certificates issued, audits conducted, contractor compliance processes, and auditing efforts; submission deadline is July 1, 2019.