Bill > HB826

This bill repeals the existing Interdepartmental Advisory Committee on Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs and establishes a new Governor's Subcabinet on Socioeconomic Procurement Participation. The new Subcabinet will be composed of 14 key state officials, including the Special Secretary of the Governor's Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs (who will serve as chair) and representatives from various state departments such as Budget and Management, Commerce, and Transportation. The Subcabinet's primary responsibilities include meeting quarterly, studying procurement programs in other states, developing accountability measures for procurement processes, working with the Office of State Procurement to improve contracting opportunities, identifying potential statutory and regulatory reforms, and making recommendations to improve existing programs like the Small Business Reserve Program, Minority Business Enterprise Program, and Veteran Small Business Enterprise Program. The Subcabinet is required to submit an annual report to the Governor by December 31st each year, starting in 2025, detailing its activities, progress, and recommendations. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, signaling a comprehensive effort to enhance state procurement practices and support for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.

Education, Health and Social Services

Health and Government Operations (H)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0826?ys=2025RS