MS HB229

Creates a Youth Unemployment Task Force to examine policies and programs for out-of-school and jobless youth ages 16-24, with the goal of improving their education, employment, and social development skills.

Task force must review current unemployment data for youth ages 16-24, evaluate Department of Education dropout prevention methods, review early career guidance programs, and develop best practices for job skills training.

Composition includes nine members: three House members appointed by the Speaker, three Senate members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and the State Superintendents of Education, Executive Director of Human Services, and Executive Director of Employment Security (or their designees).

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by December 1, 2019.

Non-legislative members receive per diem compensation at authorized rates and reimbursement for mileage and expenses; legislative members are paid from their respective house contingent expense funds when Legislature is not in session; effective date is July 1, 2019.