Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1760

Introduced
7/23/25  

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 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.

Impact

The passage of HB 1760 would amend existing state laws to enhance the role of veteran and disadvantaged businesses in state contracting processes. It proposes to create a more inclusive environment that recognizes the contributions of these businesses and aims to improve their competitive edge. By implementing specific policies and goals geared towards these entities, the bill is designed to ensure increased participation of veteran-owned and disadvantaged businesses in public contracts, which could ultimately lead to economic growth and diversity within state procurement practices.

Summary

House Bill 1760 seeks to establish definitions and regulations specifically aimed at veteran-owned small businesses, whilst also addressing small and disadvantaged businesses. The bill proposes enhancements to participation goals for these businesses, outlining the duties of the Department of General Services. Additionally, it seeks to implement a Small Diverse Business Program that includes provisions for waivers of contract-specific goals and regulations surrounding bonding and progress payments. The legislation aims to provide comprehensive support and structure for veteran and minority-owned businesses to thrive in the market.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1760 has been generally positive among proponents who view it as a necessary step towards equity and inclusion in state contracting. Advocates argue that the bill addresses long-standing disparities faced by veteran and minority entrepreneurs. However, it could also present logistical challenges related to the implementation of its provisions, which may raise concerns among some stakeholders regarding the sufficiency of resources to support this initiative. The conversation has centered around the bill's potential to create tangible benefits for the communities it aims to serve.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 1760 include discussions about the feasibility of the proposed participation goals and the potential need for additional funding to support the administrative burden imposed on the Department of General Services. Critics may express concern over how stringent contract-specific goals could affect procurement processes or whether the provisions for waivers are sufficient. These debates underscore the complexity of balancing supportive measures for veteran and disadvantaged businesses against the practicalities of state contracting processes.

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 HB2256

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.

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 HB1869

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

PA HB1716

In entities generally, further providing for requirements for names generally and providing for registration of name of domestic nonfiling association; in entity transactions, further providing for nature of transactions and for approval by limited liability company; in foreign associations, further providing for foreign registration statement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for certain specifically authorized debt terms; in officers, directors and shareholders, further providing for derivative action; in foreign business corporations, further providing for application of article; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for certain specifically authorized debt terms; in officers, directors and members, further providing for derivative action; in general partnerships, further providing for contents of partnership agreement; in limited partnerships, further providing for contents of partnership agreement and for derivative action; and, in limited liability companies, further providing for contents of operating agreement and for derivative action.

PA SB763

Further providing for definitions; and providing for specific liability.

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 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.

PA HB573

In powers and duties in general, further providing for departmental reports; in COVID-19 record retention, further providing for retention of records related to COVID-19; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.