Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2256

Introduced
5/1/24  

Caption

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small and Midsize Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program review and expiration; providing for Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

Impact

The legislation also introduces a new framework for procurement goals, which includes provisions for waivers of contract-specific goals, bonding requirements, and progress payments to foster participation from small diverse and midsize businesses. It requires the Department of General Services to produce annual reports and conduct ongoing evaluations to fine-tune its approach based on statistical evidence from disparity studies. These changes aim to address past disadvantages experienced by historically marginalized groups in the business sector.

Summary

House Bill 2256 aims to enhance the involvement of veteran-owned, small, and diverse businesses in Commonwealth procurement activities. The bill amends Titles 51, 62, and 74 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing clearer definitions and regulations for these businesses, as well as laying out the responsibilities of the Department of General Services in promoting equitable procurement practices. It emphasizes setting participation goals for diverse businesses and mandates regular disparity studies to assess the effectiveness of these measures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2256 is generally positive, reflecting a commitment to equality and fairness in business opportunities. Advocates argue that it provides necessary support for veteran and minority-owned businesses, thus contributing to a more inclusive economy. Nonetheless, some concerns remain about the implementation of the bill and whether it adequately addresses the existing barriers that these businesses face in procurement processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the difficulty of translating aspirational goals into practical outcomes and the potential risk of insufficient funding or resources allocated to effectively monitor the implementation of these programs. Critics are cautious about the state's ability to enforce these new regulations adequately, particularly in a way that ensures genuine participation from the targeted businesses rather than superficial compliance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2637

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program expiration; providing for Participation Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1869

In food protection, further providing for definitions, providing for food allergy awareness and further providing for powers of department.

PA HB77

In food protection, further providing for definitions, providing for food allergy awareness and further providing for powers of department.

PA SB687

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procurement organization, further providing for specific construction powers, duties and procedures; in procurement of construction and design professional services, further providing for procurement of design professional services; providing for project delivery methods; and making a repeal.

PA SB957

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procurement organization, further providing for specific construction powers, duties and procedures; in procurement of construction and design professional services, further providing for procurement of design professional services; providing for project delivery methods; and making a repeal.

PA HB1020

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1600

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB819

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for food allergy guidelines.

PA HB1963

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in records, further providing for fees for copies.

PA HB2083

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in records, further providing for fees for copies.

Similar Bills

PA HB2637

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program expiration; providing for Participation Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

NJ S855

Creates State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises.

NJ A2146

Creates State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises.

NJ A862

Creates State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises.

MA H2997

Relative to public procurement and inclusive entrepreneurship

MA S2123

To promote public procurement and inclusive entrepreneurship

MA S1986

To promote public procurement and inclusive entrepreneurship

CA AB2019

Small business enterprises.