Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00455

Introduced
3/21/12  
Introduced
3/21/12  
Refer
3/21/12  
Report Pass
4/2/12  
Refer
4/13/12  
Report Pass
4/19/12  
Refer
4/25/12  

Caption

An Act Concerning The Commission On Human Rights And Opportunities.

Impact

If enacted, SB00455 will require state agencies to set aside a portion of their contracts for small contractors and minority business enterprises. This includes a requirement that a minimum of 25% of contracts in specified categories must be awarded to such businesses. Additionally, the bill stipulates the creation of an affirmative action plan that contractors must submit for approval before being awarded contracts, and compliance will be monitored by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Summary

SB00455, titled 'An Act Concerning the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities', seeks to amend existing laws related to the awarding of state contracts with a focus on minority business enterprises. The bill establishes a review committee specifically tasked with overseeing the compliance of state agencies with provisions regarding contract awards and set-asides designed to benefit minority-owned businesses. The intent is to ensure equitable opportunities in state contracting processes, thus addressing historical disadvantages experienced by these enterprises.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00455 appears to reflect a commitment to enhancing diversity in state contracting, with supporters emphasizing the need for equitable treatment and opportunities for minority businesses. However, some concerns arise regarding the administrative burden these changes may impose on state agencies and contractors, suggesting a split opinion on the feasibility of implementation, especially among those who prioritize economic efficiency.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between enforcing affirmative action requirements and ensuring that all contractors—even those not qualifying as minority-owned—are afforded fair opportunities in state contracting. There is also debate about how strictly the bill would be enforced and whether it adequately addresses the dynamics of competition among contractors. Critics argue that the specific focus on set-asides could inadvertently limit opportunities for capable contractors simply due to their ownership status.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05414

An Act Concerning Additional Legal Protections Under The Commission On Human Rights And Opportunities Statutes For Victims Of Sexual Assault, Trafficking In Persons And Stalking.

CT HB05242

An Act Concerning The Collateral Consequences Of Criminal Records On Housing Opportunities.

CT SB00002

An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence.

CT HB05487

An Act Concerning The Operation And Administration Of The Office Of The Claims Commissioner.

CT SB00426

An Act Concerning Court Operations And Administrative Proceedings.

CT HB05379

An Act Concerning The Duties Of The State Marshals And The Operation Of The State Marshal Commission And The State Marshals Advisory Board.

CT HB05523

An Act Concerning Allocations Of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds And Provisions Related To General Government, Human Services, Education And The Biennium Ending June 30, 2025.

CT SB00212

An Act Concerning The Revisor's Technical Corrections To The General Statutes.

CT SB00251

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Technical And Other Revisions To The Tax And Related Statutes.

CT HB05373

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To Human Services Statutes.

Similar Bills

CT HB05265

An Act Requiring The Prompt Payment Of Contractors.

CT SB00882

An Act Concerning The State Set-aside Program, Filing Requirements Of State Contractors, Evaluation Of Contractors And Subcontractors And A Program To Increase Contracts Awarded To Resident Bidders.

CT HB05012

An Act Concerning The Optimization Of State Agency Operations And Services.

CT SB01518

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The State Disparity Study.

CA SB588

Public contracts: Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program.

CT HB07385

An Act Concerning The Department Of Administrative Services And Changes To Affirmation, Affidavit And Certification Requirements For Large State Contracts.

CT HB06444

An Act Concerning The Modernization Of State Services And The Membership Of The Commission For Educational Technology.

CT SB00948

An Act Authorizing Guidelines For Programs To Reduce Student Costs And Exempting Constituent Unit Qualified, Revenue And Nonmonetary Contracts From Certain Statutory Requirements.