Arkansas House Bill HB1660

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/23
• Refer: 3/16/23
• Report Pass: 3/29/23
• Engrossed: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/31/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

Concerning A Report By The Director Of The Arkansas Economic Development Commission Concerning Contracts Awarded To Businesses In Operation Less Than Five Years.

Impact

The implementation of HB1660 is expected to provide critical data which can assist policymakers in assessing how effectively state contracts are being awarded to newer businesses. This may offer insights into the distribution of state resources and help identify trends or disparities based on the age of businesses. The bill aims to foster a more inclusive economic environment by potentially increasing access to contracting opportunities for small businesses, especially those from underrepresented demographics. It could also serve as a catalyst for initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurship within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1660 is designed to enhance the monitoring and reporting of state contracts awarded to businesses that have been operational for less than five years. The bill mandates the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to compile and submit an annual report by January 1st of each year starting from 2025. This report will detail the number and total dollar amount of contracts awarded to such businesses, along with a breakdown by demographic segments and geographic areas across Arkansas. The intent of this bill is to boost transparency and accountability in state contracting, particularly with regard to emerging businesses.

Contention

While the bill is generally embraced for its potential advantages to small businesses, some concerns may arise regarding the feasibility and administrative burden of compiling detailed reports annually. Stakeholders might debate the adequacy of the proposed recommendations for improving access to state contracts, questioning whether they will address specific barriers faced by newer businesses. Moreover, discussions surrounding inclusivity and equity in the awarding process may surface, indicating a need for ongoing evaluation of how well the bill meets its objectives in practice.