Creating the Kansas small, minority, woman, disadvantaged and service-disabled veteran business enterprise development act, providing for development of such business enterprises through greater participation in providing goods and services to state agencies and postsecondary educational institutions and requiring development of plans and goals for such participation, establishing the office of minority and women business development within the department of commerce and providing for an advisory committee on certified small business enterprises.
Impact
The bill mandates state agencies and postsecondary educational institutions to comply with annual participation goals set for certified small business enterprises in public contracts. This includes both public works and the procurement of goods and services, aiming to facilitate equitable opportunities within the state's economic landscape. The act also allows local governments to adopt similar programs, extending the potential benefits to regional contractors and amplifying local economic development efforts.
Summary
Senate Bill 464, known as the Kansas Minority, Woman, Disadvantaged, and Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business Enterprise Development Act, aims to enhance participation of minority, women, disadvantaged, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in state contracts and procurement. The legislation directs the establishment of a dedicated office within the Kansas Department of Commerce, which will oversee a certification program for small business enterprises that meet specific criteria, including ownership, management, and operational control by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.
Contention
Notable points of contention concerning the bill may include discussions around the definitions of eligibility and the bureaucratic processes involved in certification. Concerns have arisen regarding the real impact of these regulations on existing businesses and whether the goals set for participation are realistic within the competitive bidding landscape. Additionally, the enforcement mechanisms, which include penalties for non-compliance, may provoke debates about their adequacy and fairness.
Creates State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises.
Creates State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises.
Creates State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises.