MS HB1280

Amends Section 31-7-13 of Mississippi Code to require agencies and governing authorities to set aside not less than 30% of anticipated annual commodity expenditures for 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 owners); 10% to veteran-owned businesses; 5% to woman-owned businesses; and 5% to disadvantaged businesses.

Defines qualifying businesses as those owned by a majority of U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens meeting the specified demographic criteria.

All set-aside purchases must comply with existing purchasing regulations and competitive bidding requirements, with awards made to the lowest and best bidder within each designated business category.

Changes previous discretionary authority ("may set aside") to mandatory requirement ("shall set aside"), effective July 1, 2019.