Bill > SB247

This bill introduces a new approach to state agency contracting by establishing a bid preference system based on hiring workers from disadvantaged or distressed areas. Specifically, the bill requires state agencies to provide a graduated bid preference (ranging from 1% to 10%) to contractors who hire a certain percentage of workers from eligible communities (defined as people living in areas with high poverty, environmental pollution, unemployment, or low incomes). The preference increases incrementally based on the percentage of total contract labor hours performed by eligible workers, with a maximum 10% preference for contractors who hire 90% of their workforce from these targeted communities. The bill prohibits using this preference to meet any existing minimum requirements and requires the Department of General Services to create rules for implementing and enforcing these equity metrics, including tracking and reporting requirements. This applies specifically to contracts over $35 million funded by certain federal infrastructure and science acts, aiming to create job opportunities in economically challenged areas while providing an incentive for contractors to hire locally.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB247