Bill > H5683

This bill increases the minimum percentage of state procurement and construction project contracts that must be awarded to minority business enterprises from 15% to 20%, with a specific breakdown of how those percentages will be allocated. Under the new requirements, at least 10% of the total contract value must be awarded to businesses owned and controlled by minority owners (as defined in the existing law), and another 10% must be awarded to businesses owned and controlled by women. The bill also mandates that the state conduct a disparity study every five years, beginning in fiscal year 2025, to evaluate the need for programs that enhance minority and women-owned business participation in state contracts. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions that prevent waiving these requirements, even during declared states of emergency, and continues to allow businesses certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) program to be automatically certified as minority business enterprises. The changes aim to increase opportunities and representation for minority and women-owned businesses in state contracting.

Labor and Employment

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