MS HB179

Creates the Mississippi Department of Labor effective July 1, 2019, composed of five offices: Employment Security, Job Development and Training, Industry Service and Industry Start-up Training, Employee Relations and Job Discrimination, and Disabled Employee Assistance.

Abolishes the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and transfers all duties, powers, equipment, supplies, records, and appropriated funds to the new Office of Employment Security within the Department of Labor.

Establishes the Commissioner of Labor as an elected state official with a four-year term beginning in 2023, with the Governor appointing an interim commissioner from July 1, 2019 until the 2023 general election; sets annual salary at $90,000.

Designates the Office of Job Development and Training to administer federal and state job training programs including the Job Training Partnership Act, Wagner-Peyser Act, and JOBS/Basic Skills Training Program.

Adds the Commissioner of Labor to the list of state elected officials with a $500 filing fee for candidates, effective at the 2023 general election.