The bill introduced on January 14, 2026, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing a new section, 5A-3-64, which creates the Public/Private Small Business Enhancement Program. This program is designed to promote the development and growth of small businesses within the state. It will be administered by the Purchasing Division, the State Auditor, and other relevant state agencies. The bill includes definitions for key terms such as "small business," "awarding agency," and "contract," and outlines the responsibilities of state agencies to set aside a minimum of 25% of their contract values for small businesses, with specific provisions for contracts below $150,000 and between $150,000 and $700,000.

Additionally, the bill provides for rule-making authority, audits of small businesses applying for or awarded contracts, and a certification process for small businesses to ensure compliance with the program's requirements. It also includes provisions for penalties for false statements in applications and mandates annual reporting on the program's implementation and results. The program is set to expire on July 1, 2029, but any certification applications filed before this date will remain valid until fulfilled or expired under their terms.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5A-3-64