MS HB861

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

Youth participants must be enrolled in high school or college (or agree to enroll), and must be residents of the participating municipality

Municipalities must submit a work project plan to the Department and provide matching funds equal to 20% of the grant amount to qualify

Employment plans must dedicate at least 10% of youth work time to basic life skills development including education, communication, leadership, work ethic, and safety training

Creates the Youth Employment Program Fund in the State Treasury to hold appropriated monies, with unexpended funds carrying over rather than lapsing into the General Fund