Veterans (Veteran Employment)

HB 703 requires Mississippi state agencies to reserve at least 5% of annual commodity purchases for businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities, expanding an existing requirement that previously applied only to minority-owned businesses. This law amends public purchasing regulations to explicitly include veteran- and disability-owned businesses as eligible for set-aside contracts, while maintaining existing bidding rules (e.g., lowest bid must be accepted unless 2% higher than a qualified minority bid). The policy affects all state agencies purchasing goods, ensuring these businesses can compete for a portion of procurement contracts. The bill does not change the 20% maximum set-aside cap for minority businesses or alter the process for awarding contracts.

SB 2424 increases the authorized days of paid annual military leave for Mississippi public employees who are members of the National Guard. The bill amends Section 33-1-21 to raise the current 21-day limit for paid leave during military training, though the specific new number is not stated in the provided text. It directly affects state, county, municipal, and other public sector employees serving in the National Guard, ensuring they retain pay, leave accrual, and job protection during extended training. The change takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all qualifying public employers across Mississippi.

HB 149 requires Mississippi's state workforce board and occupational licensing boards to accept military education, training, or service as equivalent to civilian requirements for professional licenses in multiple licensed professions (like nursing, engineering, and cosmetology). It directly affects veterans and military members transitioning to civilian careers by allowing them to use evidence of their military experience to meet licensing criteria. The bill mandates that applicants provide proof of military service completion, and boards must expedite licenses for active-duty personnel. It also requires public colleges and universities to develop policies for accepting military-acquired academic credits. The legislation applies to all 32 licensed occupations listed in the bill's Section 2.