MS HB1462

Creates the "2023 Mississippi YouthBuild Pilot Program" with initial programs at Coahoma Community College and Jones County Junior College to help low-income youth ages 16-24 gain employment, education, and leadership skills through construction and housing rehabilitation training.

Requires each college to apply for up to $1,100,000 in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Labor, with the Mississippi Department of Human Services providing 25% matching nonfederal funds from available department resources.

Programs must allocate 50% of participant time to classroom instruction (math, language arts, life skills, high school diploma/GED) and 50% to on-site construction training with stipends no less than minimum wage for work-site hours.

Requires Division of Family and Children's Services to submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature by January 1, 2026 evaluating program outcomes including participant enrollment, completion rates, employment placements, and recommendations for expanding YouthBuild programs statewide.

Brings forward existing statutes (43-1-53 and 43-26-1) regarding the Division of Family and Children's Services and Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services for possible amendment; takes effect July 1, 2023.