House Bill 74 Summary

• Brings forward Mississippi Code sections 37-153-7, 7-1-355, 7-1-357, 7-1-361, 37-153-9, 37-153-13, 71-5-353, and 71-5-453 governing the Mississippi State Workforce Investment Board's powers and duties for possible amendment.

• Establishes a 41-member State Workforce Investment Board composed of business representatives (majority), government officials, local workforce representatives, and 4 nonvoting legislators to develop statewide workforce development strategy.

• Creates a Rules Committee within the board with authority to promulgate rules for distribution of Mississippi Works Funds and requires annual performance reports to the Governor and Legislature.

• Authorizes collection of workforce training contributions from employers at specified rates: Workforce Enhancement Training (.15-.18%), State Workforce Investment (.01%), and Mississippi Works (.04-.08%) contributions deposited into separate funds managed by community colleges, the investment board, and the Department of Employment Security.

• Establishes performance metrics and accountability requirements for workforce development centers, with funds used exclusively for employer and employee training, job placement assistance, and economic development activities effective July 1, 2019.