CO HB1285

Directs the executive director to commission an independent disparity study examining state contract awards to historically underutilized businesses (minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and disability-owned businesses) across eight state entities for fiscal years 2009-10 through 2012-13.

Study must analyze participation disparities across five industries: construction, architecture/engineering, professional services, brokerage/investment, and goods/services, with separate analyses for prime contractors and subcontractors.

Requires the final report to be delivered by February 1, 2015, to the legislative audit committee and relevant House and Senate committees, including recommendations to improve equity if disparities attributable to discrimination are found.

Appropriates $1,009,000 from the supplier database cash fund ($1,000,000 for the study and $9,000 for information technology services) for implementation beginning July 1, 2013.

Establishes detailed definitions of "historically underutilized business" including ownership thresholds and control requirements, and specifies that any findings of discrimination must be supported by statistical evidence.