AL HB396

Establishes a statewide disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program requiring the Chief Procurement Officer to create a certification process for businesses owned and controlled 50% or more by women or minorities.

Directs the Chief Procurement Officer to identify assistance programs for disadvantaged businesses including staff assistance, training, and special provisions for progress payments on state contracts.

Adds DBE certification as Priority #5 in state contract bidding preferences, allowing awarding authorities to award contracts to certified DBEs bidding within 5% of the lowest responsible bidder.

Sets a goal of awarding 15% of all state contracts for goods and services to disadvantaged business enterprises through identified programs and initiatives.

Creates a two-year Study Commission on Disadvantaged Business Enterprises with five members to assess state initiatives for assisting women and minority-owned businesses, with commission members meeting at least four times before dissolving and reporting findings to the Legislature.