MS HB343

Creates a new Mississippi Department of Labor to coordinate employer-employee services, oversee workforce development, and provide employers with workers, effective July 1, 2025.

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

Makes the Commissioner of Labor an elected state office with a $120,000 annual salary, to be elected in 2027 and every four years thereafter; Governor appoints initial commissioner to serve until 2027 election.

Abolishes the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and transfers all its duties, powers, equipment, records, and funds to the new Office of Employment Security within the Department of Labor.

Adds Commissioner of Labor to the list of statewide elected officials and updates candidate filing fee schedules to include Labor Commissioner candidates at $500-$2,500 for primary elections and $500 for general/special elections.