MS HB137

Creates the Mississippi Youthbuild Act administered by the Division of Family and Children's Services to provide disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 with education, job training, leadership development, and construction experience for affordable housing projects.

Requires funded Youthbuild programs to provide integrated education and job skills training with 50% classroom instruction and 50% on-site construction training, counseling services, leadership development, and training stipends at minimum wage.

Establishes participant eligibility for economically disadvantaged youth who have not completed high school, are at risk of dropping out, or are very low-income (at or below 50% of median family income), with up to 25% of participants able to be individuals with educational needs despite high school completion.

Limits administrative costs to 15% of grant amounts and allows the director to reserve up to 5% of appropriations for contracts with Youthbuild USA for training and technical assistance.

Amends Section 43-1-53 to include Mississippi Youthbuild Act services within the Division of Family and Children's Services' oversight responsibilities; effective July 1, 2020.