GA
Georgia House Bill HB259

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB259

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Transportation, Department of; publication of the disparity study and summary of efforts to increase minority business participation; require

Impact

The impact of HB 259 is expected to promote greater participation of minority-owned businesses in state contracting. By requiring GDOT to publish its disparity study and its efforts to address any identified issues, the bill provides a mechanism for accountability. This can lead to improved opportunities for MBEs in bidding for and securing transportation-related contracts, enhancing diversity in the state's economic development efforts. Furthermore, the availability of this information to the public may stimulate further advocacy and engagement around minority participation in government contracts.

Summary

House Bill 259 aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) concerning minority business participation. The bill specifically mandates that any disparity study conducted by GDOT be published on the department's website. Additionally, it requires the inclusion of an annual review and summary of GDOT's efforts to increase the utilization of minority business enterprises (MBEs) in contracts issued by the department. This move is intended to support minority-owned businesses in gaining better access to government contracts, thus fostering an inclusive economic environment in the state.

Contention

While HB 259 has intentions to uplift minority businesses, there may be concerns about the adequacy of resources allocated to GDOT for effectively implementing the required measures. Some stakeholders might raise questions about whether the provided data and published studies will lead to tangible changes in the practices of contracting. Moreover, discussions could emerge regarding how 'minority business enterprise' is defined and how it connects to the effectiveness of the bill's requirements, which could lead to debates on the proper metrics to evaluate progress in minority participation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA S1943

Establishes Division of Minority and Women Business Development and State Chief Disparity Officer to monitor efforts to promote participation by minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State contracting.

GA A5792

Establishes Division of Minority and Women Business Development and State Chief Disparity Officer to monitor efforts to promote participation by minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State contracting.

GA S85

Establishes Division of Minority and Women Business Development and State Chief Disparity Officer to monitor efforts to promote participation by minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State contracting.

GA HB128

Revenue and taxation; representation of minority business enterprises, women and veteran owned businesses in procurement of state contracts; provide

GA HB575

Transportation, Department of; authorize notice of certain public hearings by electronic publication

GA H5683

Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises from 15% to 20% and of that, requires a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.

GA HR190

House Study Committee on Minority Business Enterprises, Women Owned Businesses, and Veteran Owned Businesses in State Contracting; create

GA S2466

Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises to 20% and of that, require a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and that a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.

GA H7792

Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises from 15% to 20% and of that, require a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.

GA HR487

House Study Committee on Minority Business Enterprises, Women Owned Businesses, and Veteran Owned Businesses in State Contracting; create

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.