Missouri House Bill HB1756

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Requires the state and any political subdivision thereof to prioritize Missouri-owned businesses for disaster clean up

Impact

If passed, HB 1756 would amend existing laws under Chapter 37 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri to reflect this new preference for Missouri-owned businesses. This change could significantly affect how disaster recovery operations are conducted within the state, potentially leading to an increase in local job creation and retention, as contracts for disaster cleanup would inherently favor local enterprises over out-of-state competitors. This shift may enhance the overall effectiveness of disaster response by involving businesses that are familiar with the local context and community needs.

Summary

House Bill 1756 is a legislative proposal that mandates state and local government entities to prioritize the use of Missouri-owned businesses for contracts related to disaster cleanup efforts. This bill aims to support local economies and strengthen the resilience of Missouri-owned companies, particularly in times of disaster. By ensuring that resources are allocated to local businesses, the bill seeks to enhance economic stability and recovery within communities affected by disasters.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention regarding this legislation. Critics could argue that implementing such a preference may limit competition and could lead to inefficiencies or increased costs for disaster cleanup services. Opponents may express concerns that while the intention is to support local business, the bill could inadvertently disadvantage out-of-state companies that may have more experience or resources to effectively manage large-scale disaster recovery efforts. Additionally, there may be discussions on the criteria for what constitutes a 'Missouri-owned' business, which could affect the eligibility of certain companies for these contracts.