MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Labor

By: Representative Smith (35th)

AN ACT TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE ABILITY TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT IS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT WHICH SHALL NOT BE UNREASONABLY RESTRICTED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

WHEREAS, The Mississippi Legislature recognizes that the ability to seek employment is a constitutional right which shall not be unreasonably restricted; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) No standardized certificate shall be established which would restrict the free access to the job market by all citizens.

(2) No business shall be mandated by law to restrict its hiring policy to individuals who possess a government issued standardized certificate which restricts the free access to the job market by all citizens.

(3) No certificate shall be required in order to apply for acceptance in institutions of higher learning.

(4) The intent of this law in no wise shall be construed to limit the ability of government, business and industry to set necessary minimum requirements for hiring individuals to perform specific tasks, however the requirements must directly relate to the performance of the task.

The intent of this law in no wise shall be construed to limit the ability of private or public institutions of higher learning from establishing necessary minimum academic requirements which assure that a student is ready for the level of instruction the institution provides.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.