This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16C.16, subdivision 2, to provide the commissioner of administration with greater flexibility in determining eligibility for small business preferences in state contracting. The current law's specific reference to the size standards for "small business" as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 26.65, is deleted. Instead, the bill allows the commissioner to either use this federal definition or adopt an alternative standard for what constitutes a small business.

The amendment emphasizes that for a business to qualify as a small business under the relevant sections of state law, it must have its principal place of business in Minnesota. This change aims to streamline the process and potentially broaden the criteria for small businesses seeking to participate in state contracting opportunities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 16C.16