MS HB588

Creates the Mississippi Office of Workforce Development Fund in the State Treasury to replace the State Workforce Investment Board bank account, with contributions deposited from workforce development sources and legislative appropriations.

Establishes the Mississippi K-12 Workforce Development Grant Program to fund construction, remodeling, equipment purchases, or upgrades to career technical centers at the K-12 level, with up to 5% of funds available for program administration.

Caps administrative fees for training provided through Mississippi Workforce Enhancement Training and Mississippi Works funds at a maximum of 5%, and designates the Mississippi Department of Employment Security as fiscal agent for all Office of Workforce Development appropriated funds.

Expands Office of Workforce Development powers and duties to include direct access to accounting/banking statements, nondisclosure agreements for economic development, competitive procurement of tools and resources, career coaching programs, and support for community college training needs.

Provides time-limited exemptions from public records disclosure for confidential client information from the Mississippi Development Authority or local economic development entities held by the Office of Workforce Development for up to two years or 30 days depending on project status.