The bill amends Section 37-14.1-6 of the General Laws regarding "Minority Business Enterprise" participation in state procurements and construction projects. It mandates that minority business enterprises must receive at least fifteen percent (15%) of the total dollar value of procurements or projects, with specific allocations of seven and one-half percent (7.5%) for minority-owned and woman-owned businesses. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Administration to submit an annual report on participation status and establishes a disparity study to assess the need for enhanced participation of women and minority-owned businesses, to be conducted every five years starting in fiscal year 2025.

New provisions include the requirement for the Department of Administration to provide a list of certified minority and women-owned business enterprises to prospective contractors, and no waivers for compliance with this chapter can be granted until contractors receive assistance from the department. Furthermore, if a contracting agency fails to make a good faith effort to include minority and women-owned businesses, it must submit a remedial action plan. The bill also stipulates that all waivers of compliance must be publicly documented, including details about the contract and the contractor receiving the waiver. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
311: 37-14.1-6