Bill would divert 2.75% of sales tax to fund construction training grants

House Bill 338 would establish a construction training assistance fund by diverting 2.75% of sales-tax revenue into a grant program to be operated with Accelerate Mississippi, the presenter told the panel. Community colleges and K‑12 school systems that run construction programs could apply for grants intended to offset the high cost of delivering such training.

The presenter said the Office of Workforce Development would establish and administer the program and that the bill language (noted on line 575) sets up the fund. "This is one of the highest demand jobs we have across the state and priority sector high wage high demand," the presenter said, adding that operating these programs is expensive for K‑12 systems and community colleges.

Senator Fillingame asked for precise tax figures; the presenter said they did not have the exact number on hand but estimated the total contractor tax at about 3.5% and pledged to provide the exact figure before the bill moves to the floor. Senators then moved to a procedural vote. A motion that the title was sufficient and that House Bill 338 "do pass" was approved by voice vote; the presiding officer declared the bill reported out. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally or the names of the motion mover and seconder.

The legislation would create a grant program aimed at expanding workforce pipelines into construction trades by subsidizing training costs at public education institutions. The next procedural step, as stated in the session, is that the bill be reported out for further consideration.