House Bill 1322 Summary

• Requires the Public Procurement Review Board to adopt regulations setting aside at least 5% of anticipated annual expenditures for purchases from minority businesses, veterans-owned businesses, and businesses owned by people with disabilities.

• Amends the public purchasing law to allow agencies and governing authorities to set aside up to 20% (rather than discretionary) of anticipated annual expenditures for purchases from minority businesses, veterans-owned businesses, and disability-owned businesses.

• Expands the definition of "minority business" to include businesses owned by veterans (as defined in 38 USCS 101(2)) and persons with disabilities (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act).

• All set-aside purchases must comply with existing purchasing regulations and competitive bidding requirements, with awards going to the lowest and best bidder among qualified vendors.

• Effective July 1, 2025.