Maryland House Bill HB743

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23

Caption

Minority Business Enterprises - Calculation of Participation Rates - Procurements From Maryland Correctional Enterprises

Impact

The enactment of HB 743 is expected to strengthen the position of minority businesses within the procurement process in Maryland. By integrating expenditures on Maryland Correctional Enterprises into the calculations for participation rates, the bill highlights a commitment to fostering economic opportunities for minority-owned enterprises. Supporters believe that this will result in a more equitable distribution of contracts, and ultimately, an increase in minority business participation in state procurement projects.

Summary

House Bill 743 focuses on the inclusion of contracts with Maryland Correctional Enterprises in the calculations of participation rates for the Minority Business Enterprise Program. The bill mandates that state procurement units are required to count the total dollar value of contracts awarded to Maryland Correctional Enterprises when determining the overall participation in their minority procurement goals. This inclusion aims to enhance transparency and ensure that minority business enterprises receive appropriate consideration in state contracts.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated discussions among stakeholders regarding the implications of its provisions. Some advocate for the necessity of counting Maryland Correctional Enterprises' contracts, seeing it as a step toward inclusivity in government contracting. Conversely, critics may argue about the efficacy of such measures or express concerns about prioritizing contracts with correctional enterprises which could overshadow direct support for conventional minority-owned businesses. The debate is ongoing about how to best achieve the program's goals without inadvertently creating a conflict with other objectives of strengthening small businesses.