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MS HB1696

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/9/2026

Primary Sponsor

Donnie Bell

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates the Mississippi Office of Apprenticeship within the Department of Employment Security to serve as the state's apprenticeship registration agency in compliance with federal regulations (29 CFR Sections 29 and 30)
  • Requires the Executive Director to submit an application to the U.S. Office of Apprenticeship for state agency recognition by July 31, 2026, with the act taking effect July 1, 2026
  • Establishes a 9-member Mississippi Apprenticeship Advisory Council including representatives from workforce development, community colleges, business organizations, and employer/employee groups, with initial terms beginning October 1, 2026
  • Registration with the Office of Apprenticeship remains voluntary for apprenticeship sponsors and does not affect existing state or federal funding for apprenticeship activities
  • Authorizes the Office to develop nationally recognized completion credentials, allocate state funds to registered programs, and establish regulations for program registration, deregistration, and dispute resolution

Legislative Description

MS Office of Apprenticeship; create under Department of Employment Security.

Last Action

Conferees Named Bell (21st),Lott,Arnold

3/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Economic and Workforce Development2/19/2026
Workforce Development1/19/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available