GA SB421

Creates the Division of Supplier Diversity within the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, headed by a director appointed by the commissioner, to increase participation of minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in state contracts and subcontracts

Establishes the position of minority and women owned business enterprises state-wide advocate to serve as a liaison for MWBEs, investigate complaints regarding certification delays and law violations, and operate a toll-free assistance number

Requires a state-wide disparity study within 12 months of the effective date, updated every two years, to assess whether qualified MWBEs are being engaged proportionally in state contracts for commodities, services, and construction

Sets specific procurement participation goals for certified businesses across industries, including 28.92% overall for all certified businesses, with targets such as 14.34% for minority owned enterprises in construction and 19.60% for minority owned enterprises in nonconstruction services

Establishes enforcement mechanisms including utilization plan requirements for contractors, a waiver process for good faith inability to meet participation goals, administrative hearings for violations, and penalties of up to one year of bid ineligibility for first violations and up to five years for subsequent violations within five years