Mississippi House Bill HB807

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Mississippi State Workforce Investment Board; bring forward code sections related to.

Impact

This legislation has the potential to significantly impact the Mississippi workforce by enhancing the participation of students in apprenticeship and internship opportunities across various industries. By collaborating with the Department of Employment Security and educational institutions, the bill aims to create a streamlined process for schools and organizations to navigate the legalities involved in apprenticeship programs, thus promoting workforce readiness among young individuals. This could lead to better job placement and enhanced skills among graduates, aligning educational outputs with labor market demands.

Summary

House Bill 807 seeks to bring forward various sections of the Mississippi Code that pertain to the Mississippi State Workforce Investment Board, with a focus on reviewing and potentially amending existing legislative frameworks. The bill emphasizes the importance of fostering high-school-to-work apprenticeships and internship programs by evaluating the existing federal and state labor laws. By identifying eligible programs that can receive exemptions, the bill aims to create a pathway for students to engage in valuable work experiences while adhering to legal safety and regulatory standards.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB 807 will lead to a more skilled and adaptable workforce, critics may point to concerns regarding the adequacy of protections for student workers in these apprenticeship programs. The bill’s potential amendments to existing labor regulations could be seen as a means of weakening the safeguards that ensure fair treatment and quality standards in the workplace. There may be debates around the balance between workforce flexibility and the need for comprehensive labor protections that guard against exploitation.