Expanding public contracting opportunities for women and minority business enterprises by increasing the regulatory oversight and accountability of the office of minority and women's business enterprises.
Summary
Establishes an Audit and Review unit within the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) to detect and investigate fraud and violations pertaining to the certification of, and contracting with, minority- and women-owned businesses.
Repeals the Office of the Attorney General's authority to investigate and enforce prohibited and unlawful acts pertaining to the certification of, and contracting with, minority- and women-owned businesses.
Modifies the penalties for noncompliance of provisions related to the certification of, and contracting with, minority- and women-owned businesses.
Requires the OMWBE to annually identify state agencies and educational institutions with low levels of participation by minority- and women-owned businesses in the execution of public contracts.
From the Substitute House Bill Report (SHB 1259), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
AN ACT Relating to expanding public contracting opportunities for women and minority business enterprises by increasing the regulatory oversight and accountability of the office of minority and women's business enterprises;