Bill > SB2286

This bill modifies Mississippi's unemployment insurance contribution rules by introducing a mechanism to suspend Workforce Enhancement Training Fund contributions under specific economic conditions. The bill stipulates that if the Insured Unemployment Rate (IUR) exceeds an average of 5.5% for three consecutive months ending on September 30th of the preceding calendar year, the contributions will be automatically suspended for the entire subsequent rate year. Specifically, employers currently pay a 0.20% contribution rate split between Workforce Enhancement Training (0.15%), Office of Workforce Development (0.01%), and Mississippi Works (0.04%) funds. The suspension will remain in effect until the three-month average IUR drops below 4.5%, at which point contributions will be reinstated. The bill notably includes an exception for the 2021 tax rate year, during which contributions could not be suspended under any circumstances. The legislation aims to provide economic flexibility by temporarily halting workforce training fund contributions during periods of high unemployment, potentially reducing financial burden on employers during challenging economic times. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2286.xml