MS HB1121

Creates the Career Pathways Initiative requiring the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi Community College Board, and State Workforce Investment Board to jointly develop and annually update a plan

Initiative aims to increase access to education credentials for low-income parents and individuals to qualify for higher-paying jobs, improve workforce preparedness for high-skill positions, and develop training courses based on local employer consultation

Provides funding through performance incentives tied to participant enrollment, course completion, job placement in targeted categories, and job retention in those positions

Authorizes use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for eligible participants with custody of children under 21 whose family income is below 250% of federal poverty level

Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall contract with state agencies, two-year colleges, local governments, and private or community organizations to provide job training certificates and higher education degrees; allows combining TANF funds with other federal, state, and local funds