MS HB1052

Creates a new Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development position within the Department of Corrections to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Prison Industries and Director of Prison Agricultural Enterprises.

Requires the Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development to have a bachelor's degree from a state-accredited institution and at least 8 years of professional experience in workforce development.

Mandates the Deputy Commissioner to inventory and measure effectiveness of workforce development programs, partner with educational institutions for high-wage job training, work with industry to identify barriers to offender reentry, and develop short- and long-term workforce development goals.

Establishes a new Division of Workforce Development within the Department of Corrections and removes the requirement that the Deputy Commissioner for Programs, Education and Reentry "adequately prepare offenders for employment upon their release."

Designates the Department of Corrections as a Local Educational Agency and Educational Service Agency to receive Title I, Part B federal funding for educational services to incarcerated students, effective July 1, 2022.