ENROLLED
2024 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 277
BY REPRESENTATIVE MCFARLAND
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study
the ways in which state laws relative to disadvantaged business entities or similar
programs may conflict with federal standards and best practices and to report its
findings and recommendations for proposed legislation to the House Committee on
Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.
WHEREAS, the federal government provides standards for contracting with
disadvantaged business enterprises; and
WHEREAS, the federal government empowers state departments of transportation
to administer such programs for transportation projects in the state; and
WHEREAS, in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development manages and oversees the state's disadvantaged business enterprises program
consistent with federal requirements and acts as a standard-bearer for such programs; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of Louisiana for disadvantaged business
enterprises and similar programs to adhere to the best practices established by the federal
government; and
WHEREAS, failing to adhere to best practices for disadvantaged business enterprises
or similar set-aside programs can unnecessarily delay and increase costs for public projects
and incentivize contracting with out-of-state businesses over locally-owned businesses; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana law empowers some political subdivisions to create
disadvantaged business enterprises or similar programs in manners that may be inconsistent
with the best practices established by the federal government; and
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WHEREAS, ensuring uniform application of federal best practices for such contracts
is in the best interest of the citizens of the state; and
WHEREAS, making data-driven decisions relative to set-aside amounts is paramount
to successful disadvantaged business enterprises or similar programs; and
WHEREAS, establishing and enforcing standards for certifications of businesses that
qualify for disadvantaged business enterprises or similar programs is a core component of
a successful program because such standards ensure a company is qualified and capable of
performing the public work; and
WHEREAS, it is the goal of the House of Representatives of the Louisiana
Legislature to aid persons and businesses in understanding and meeting standards for
certification of disadvantaged business enterprises or similar programs.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development to study the ways in which state laws relative to
disadvantaged business entities or similar programs may conflict with federal standards and
best practices.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature
of Louisiana urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development to collaborate with the division of administration to report by December 15,
2024, its findings and recommendations for proposed legislation to bring the state statutes
into conformity with best practices established by the federal government and to provide a
copy of such findings and recommendations for proposed legislation to the House
Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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