MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Education
By: Senator(s) DeBar
AN ACT TO REQUIRE LICENSING AUTHORITIES TO GRANT OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES TO APPRENTICESHIP APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETE AN APPRENTICESHIP, PASS THE REQUISITE LICENSING EXAM AND PAY A LICENSING FEE; TO DIRECT LICENSING AUTHORITIES TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS TO GOVERN APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS; TO REQUIRE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT POLICIES GOVERNING THE AWARD OF ELECTIVE CREDIT TO A STUDENT WHO COMPLETES ALTERNATIVE COURSES, PROGRAMS, OPPORTUNITIES AND APPRENTICESHIPS PROVIDED BY A SPONSORING ORGANIZATION; TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM A PARENT OF THE STUDENT SEEKING ELECTIVE CREDIT; TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT TO EITHER APPROVE OR DENY THE APPLICATIONS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CHAIRMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. As used in this act, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a) "Alternative course, program or opportunity" means a sequence of instruction over a period of time that meets reasonably equivalent requirements or competencies of a subject or course of study.
(b) "Apprenticeship" means:
(i) A program that meets the federal guidelines set out in 29 CFR Part 29, including Industry Programs;
(ii) An apprenticeship program that already exists under Mississippi statute or rule; or
(iii) An apprenticeship program created by a Mississippi licensing authority that meets the requirements in Section 2 of this act.
(c) "Department" means the State Department of Education.
(d) "Licensing authority" means an agency, examining board, credentialing board, or other office with the authority to impose occupational fees or licensing requirements on any profession.
(e) A "sponsoring organization" includes a nonprofit provider, for-profit provider or other appropriate provider, subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the department.
SECTION 2. (1) Beginning on July 1, 2020, a licensing authority must grant a license to any applicant who:
(a) Has completed an apprenticeship in the licensed occupation or profession;
(b) Has passed an examination, if one is required by the licensing authority; and
(c) Has paid any fees required by the licensing authority.
(2) Licensing authorities shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern an apprenticeship application, including establishing a passing score for the examination of an apprenticeship applicant and an apprenticeship licensing fee.
(3) (a) The passing score for the examination of an apprenticeship applicant shall not exceed the passing score that is required of a standard licensing applicant. If the relevant licensing authority does not require an examination for the standard licensing process for an occupation, the licensing authority shall not require an examination for apprenticeship applicants.
(b) An apprenticeship licensing fee shall not exceed the licensing fee that is required under the traditional licensing process. If the relevant licensing authority does not require a fee for the standard licensing process, the licensing authority shall not require a fee for apprenticeship applicants.
(c) Except as otherwise required by federal law, an apprenticeship applicant shall not be required to exceed the number of hours traditionally required by the relevant licensing authority for license applications.
SECTION 3. (1) The department shall adopt policies governing the award of elective credit leading to graduation for any student in Grade 7 through Grade 12 who completes an alternative course, program, opportunity or apprenticeship provided by a sponsoring organization.
(2) No later than September 1, 2020, the department shall accept applications from the parents of students in Grade 7 through Grade 12 for alternative courses, programs, opportunities and apprenticeships as defined by Section 2 of this act.
(3) Upon receipt of an application by certified U.S. mail, email or hand delivery, the department shall have forty-five (45) days to approve or reject the application for elective credit. If the application is rejected, the notice of rejection shall include the specific reasons why the application was rejected, including stated benchmarks that must be met for a future application for elective credit to be approved. Any application not approved or rejected within forty-five (45) days of the receipt of the application shall be automatically approved and the department shall grant the student elective credit towards graduation.
SECTION 4. The department shall detail the progress that has been made in each school district in providing alternative courses, programs, opportunities and apprenticeships in an annual report delivered to the Chairmen of the Senate and House Education Committees on or before December 1. Upon request, the department shall provide the report to any other member of the Legislature.
SECTION 5. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.