MS HB1014

Amends Section 31-7-13 of Mississippi Code to require agencies and governing authorities to set aside not less than 30% of anticipated annual expenditures for commodity purchases from minority owned, woman owned, veteran owned, and disadvantaged businesses.

Allocates the 30% set-aside as follows: 10% to minority owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Native American); 10% to veteran owned businesses; 5% to woman owned businesses; and 5% to disadvantaged businesses.

Requires all set-aside purchases to comply with existing purchasing regulations and competitive bid requirements, with purchases made from the lowest and best qualifying bidder within each category.

Changes the minority set-aside from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for all agencies and governing authorities.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.