MS SB2276

Creates a new Mississippi Department of Labor effective July 1, 2026, 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.

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

Establishes the Commissioner of Labor as an elected position beginning with the 2027 general election, with four-year terms and an annual salary of $90,000; the Governor will appoint an interim commissioner from July 1, 2026 until the 2027 election.

Authorizes the department to coordinate workforce development programs, administer federal job training programs under the Job Training Partnership Act and Workforce Investment Act, promote voluntary arbitration and mediation of employer-employee disputes, and serve as an information clearinghouse on the Americans with Disabilities Act.