The Certified Business Enterprise Program Compliance and Enforcement Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2026 amends the Small and Certified Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Act of 2005 to enhance the certification process for local business enterprises. Key changes include the requirement that businesses applying for certification must be independently owned and operated, as defined in the new legal language. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions for formal and informal complaints, and modifies the performance requirements for certified joint ventures, ensuring that each certified business enterprise involved performs a percentage of work that corresponds to its ownership interest.

The bill also establishes uniform procedures for handling complaints and enforcement actions. It allows for both formal and informal complaints to be filed with the Department, mandates investigations into these complaints, and outlines the process for issuing civil penalties or revoking certifications. Notably, the Department is required to maintain a record of all formal complaints and provide a notice of determination before taking enforcement actions. The act is set to take effect on March 29, 2026, and will remain in effect for 90 days unless further action is taken by the Mayor or the Council.