Senate Bill 19-135 Summary

• Directs the Department of Personnel to commission an independent disparity study examining state contracts awarded to historically underutilized businesses during fiscal years 2014-15 through 2017-18.

• Defines "historically underutilized businesses" as entities at least 51% owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, or LGBTQ+ individuals who control management and daily business decisions.

• Study must analyze five industry sectors (construction, architecture/engineering, professional services, brokerage/investment, and goods/services) and compare utilization of minority-owned businesses to their availability in the market.

• Requires the final report by December 1, 2020, including statistical analysis of disparities, qualitative findings on barriers to contracting, and recommendations for policy changes to address any discrimination-related disparities.

• Appropriates $650,000 to the Department of Personnel for fiscal year 2019-20 to implement the study and track procurement data related to historically underutilized businesses.