Public purchasing laws; revise to include set asides for businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities.

HB 1322 revises Mississippi's public purchasing laws to expand eligibility for set-aside contracts. It requires state agencies to reserve at least 5% of annual procurement spending for minority-owned businesses, now including businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities. Agencies may set aside up to 20% of their annual purchases for these eligible businesses. The bill directly affects state agencies purchasing goods and services, aiming to increase opportunities for veteran- and disability-owned businesses in state contracts.