Mississippi workforce office can skip certain state contract rules

Mississippi’s Office of Workforce Development is exempt from certain state rules for leases and contracts. The exemption covers property rentals and leases, along with agreements for equipment, training, recruitment, construction, and renovation. The agreements must serve the office’s agency business. The exemption covers requirements in Section 27-104-7, rather than all state contracting rules. The law took effect June 30, 2026. The exemption names December 31, 2029, as its end date, while the section governing the office expires July 1, 2029.

The law sets dates when listed workforce development sections automatically expire. The 2029 date covers Sections 37-153-1, 37-153-3, 37-153-5, 37-153-7, and 37-153-15. The 2026 date covers Sections 37-153-9, 37-153-11, and 37-153-13. The expiration schedule took effect June 30, 2026.

Mississippi’s State Workforce Investment Board and Office of Workforce Development must submit their annual reports by November 1. The board reports to designated legislative committee leaders. The office reports to state leaders and designated workforce committee leaders. The board’s report covers money received and spent on workforce training or career and technical education. The office’s annual report covers funds it approved for workforce training during the prior calendar year. The annual deadlines apply under the law effective June 30, 2026.