MS HB176

Creates the Mississippi Department of Labor with five offices: Employment Security, Job Development and Training, Industry Service and Industry Start-up Training, Employee Relations and Job Discrimination, and Disabled Employee Assistance.

Establishes the Commissioner of Labor as an elected state official with a four-year term beginning in 2027, with the Governor appointing a qualified person to serve until the 2027 general election; sets annual salary at $120,000.

Abolishes the Mississippi Department of Employment Security effective July 1, 2025, transferring all duties, powers, equipment, records, and appropriated funds to the Office of Employment Security within the new Department of Labor.

Transfers administration of Job Training Partnership Act programs, Wagner-Peyser Act employment programs, welfare-related job training programs, and Comprehensive Employment and Training Act programs to the Office of Job Development and Training.

Repeals the appointment provision for the Executive Director of the Department of Employment Security and amends multiple sections of Mississippi Code to conform agency references from the old employment security department to the new Department of Labor structure.