HB 686 Summary

• Reenacts and extends the Mississippi Comprehensive Workforce Training and Education Consolidation Act of 2004 and related employment security laws, moving repeal dates from various years to July 1, 2022.

• Establishes the Mississippi State Workforce Investment Board with 41 voting members representing business, labor, government agencies, and community colleges to oversee statewide workforce development.

• Maintains four local workforce investment areas aligned with planning and development districts, with workforce development centers affiliated with community colleges providing training and placement services.

• Reenacts the Mississippi Department of Employment Security's powers and responsibilities for unemployment compensation, employment services, and state employment service operations.

• Extends sunset provisions for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), child support enforcement, business incentive programs (Mississippi Advantage Jobs Act, Major Economic Impact Act, Growth and Prosperity Act), and workforce reporting requirements.