MississippiHB 16962026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

MS Office of Apprenticeship; create under State Workforce Investment Board.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Register programs and earn federal credential

Beginning July 1, 2026, the office registers apprenticeship programs that meet U.S. Department of Labor rules. Apprentices who finish a registered program receive a nationally recognized completion credential under federal standards. This gives employers and workers official recognition in Mississippi. These authorities end July 1, 2030 unless renewed.

New state office for apprenticeships

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law creates the Mississippi Office of Apprenticeship under the State Workforce Investment Board. The executive committee selects a Director with apprenticeship experience, who hires staff and runs the office. The office makes rules using state procedures and oversees registered apprenticeships. The executive committee must apply for federal recognition before July 31, 2026. The office’s expenses are paid from a special state fund if lawmakers appropriate money. These sections end on July 1, 2030 unless renewed.

Reciprocity and state funding for sponsors

Beginning July 1, 2026, if a registered sponsor asks, Mississippi grants reciprocal approval to out‑of‑state registered programs. The sponsor must follow Mississippi wage and hour rules and apprenticeship ratio standards. The Director also allocates state money to support registered apprenticeship training, paid to program sponsors on top of other funds. These provisions end July 1, 2030.

Advisory council and education partners

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law creates an Apprenticeship Advisory Council that meets at least twice a year and sends recommendations by April 1. Initial member terms start October 1, 2026. The law keeps the State Department of Education as the Perkins funding agency. With a sponsor’s consent, an apprenticeship intermediary can provide required classroom instruction and help set competency frameworks. These provisions end July 1, 2030.

Clear standards, compliance, and appeals

Beginning July 1, 2026, the office sets clear program standards and promotes apprenticeship opportunities statewide. Programs must meet federal performance, agreement, reporting, and notice rules. The office can cancel, suspend, or deregister programs; if it deregisters for cause, it must notify appeal rights and hold a hearing on request. These rules stay in place until July 1, 2030.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Christopher M. Bell
House

Cosponsors

Otis Anthony
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 337 • No: 4

House vote • 3/30/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 52 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/9/2026