MS HB220

Creates the "Career Pathways Initiative" requiring the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi Community College Board, and State Workforce Investment Board to jointly develop and annually update a plan.

Initiative must increase access to education credentials for low-income parents and individuals for higher-paying jobs, improve workforce preparedness for high-skill jobs, and develop training courses in consultation with local employers and workforce boards.

Provides resources based on performance incentives tied to course enrollment, course completion, job placement in targeted categories, and job retention in those categories.

Authorizes use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for participants with custody of a child under 21 years old and family income below 250% of the federal poverty level; allows TANF funds to be combined with other federal, state, and local funds.

Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall contract with state agencies, two-year colleges, local governments, and private or community organizations to provide education and training resulting in job training certificates or higher education degrees for low-income adults; plan takes effect July 1, 2025.