MS HB230

Establishes a Youth Employment Grant Program administered by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to help municipalities fund employment opportunities for youth ages 16-24.

Requires participating youth to be in school or agree to enroll in high school, pursue a GED, or attend college, and must be residents of the municipality offering employment.

Mandates that municipal employment plans include work experience combined with on-the-job training, dedicating at least 10% of time to developing basic life skills including education, communication, leadership, work ethic, and safety training.

Requires municipalities to provide matching funds equal to 20% of the grant amount received from the state program.

Creates the Youth Employment Program Fund in the state treasury, funded by legislative appropriations, with unexpended amounts carrying forward year to year and any interest earned deposited back to the fund.