This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16C.16, subdivision 5, to expand the definition of targeted group businesses eligible for state procurement opportunities. Specifically, it adds small businesses that are majority owned and operated by individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, or other nonbinary gender or sexual identities, provided they are certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. This inclusion aims to address disparities in state purchasing practices and ensure equitable opportunities for these businesses.

Additionally, the bill maintains provisions that allow the commissioner of administration to designate businesses owned by women, persons with substantial physical disabilities, or specific minorities as targeted groups based on statistical disparities in purchasing. It also allows for individual businesses to be included as targeted group businesses if necessary to remedy discrimination based on race, gender, or disability. The designations made under this bill are not subject to the rulemaking procedures outlined in chapter 14.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 16C.16