MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Veterans and Military Affairs

By: Senator(s) Furniss

AN ACT TO PROVIDE PRIORITY IN EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES VETERANS; TO REQUIRE THE STATE AUDITOR TO DEVELOP MEASURES OF SERVICE FOR VETERANS THAT WILL SERVE AS INDICTORS OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; TO REQUIRE THE STATE AUDITOR TO ANNUALLY SUBMIT A REPORT DETAILING COVERED PROVIDERS' COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Purpose. The Legislature finds and declares that veterans in Mississippi represent a strong, productive part of the workforce of this state and are disadvantaged in their pursuit of civilian employment through their delayed entry into the civilian labor market and that it is only proper and in the public interest and public welfare, that such veterans receive the maximum of employment and training opportunities, with priority given to the needs of disabled veterans and other targeted veterans through existing programs, coordination and merger of programs and implementation of new programs.

(2) Veterans defined. For the purpose of this act, "veteran" means a person who served on active duty (other than for training) in any component of the United States Armed Forces for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or more, unless released earlier because of service-connected disability, and who was discharged or released from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions.

(3) Priority defined. For the purposes of this act, "priority for veterans" means that eligible veterans who register or otherwise apply for services will be extended the opportunity to participate or otherwise receive the services of the covered providers before the providers extend the opportunity and services to other registered applicants.

(4) Priority employment directed. The State Workforce Investment Board will establish procedures to provide eligible veterans with priority services set forth in the provision of the programs and services which are within their jurisdiction.

(5) Services defined. Priority over nonveterans in the provisions of employment, training and other services provided by the Workforce Investment Act. Services are those activities or efforts including, but not limited to, assessment, registration, case management, referral to supportive services, which are directed to help customers.

(6) Service providers. The partners established by the State and Local Workforce Investment Boards who actually provide the services to program participants.

(7) Implementation and performance measures. The State Auditor shall:

(a) Develop measures of service for veterans that will serve as indicators of compliance with the provisions of this act by all covered service providers.

(b) Annually publish and submit to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, beginning not later than July 1, 2000, a report detailing covered providers' compliance with the provisions of this act.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.