Bill > SB2276

This bill establishes a new Mississippi Department of Labor, which will be responsible for coordinating employer-employee services, developing a workforce development system to help residents gain skills for economic self-sufficiency, and assisting employers in finding the necessary workforce. The department will absorb the duties and funds of the former Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), abolishing the MDES and transferring its functions to a new Office of Employment Security within the Department of Labor. The bill also creates several other offices within the new department, including the Office of Job Development and Training, which will manage federal and state-funded job training programs; the Office of Industry Service and Industry Start-up Training, which will work with community colleges on industry training; the Office of Employee Relations and Job Discrimination, which will focus on resolving labor disputes and preventing discrimination; and the Office of Disabled Employee Assistance, which will serve as a resource for information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Commissioner of Labor will be the chief officer of this new department, initially appointed by the Governor and then elected starting in 2027, with their salary and responsibilities outlined in the bill. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing laws regarding job development and training, and adds the Commissioner of Labor to the list of elected officials with a set salary.

Labor and Employment

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2276.xml