Pennsylvania House Bill HB2256

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/1/24
• Refer: 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.