HB1845 Summary

• Creates the Commission on Fair Practices in Procurement and Contracting as a permanent advisory body to study and monitor participation of minority-owned, women-owned, and disability-owned businesses in state procurement and contracting.

• Commission shall issue quarterly reviews of state agency performance, annual reports on disparities by business ownership category, and recommendations to address systemic barriers to certified business participation.

• Membership consists of 13 members: four gubernatorial appointees from major state departments, one Department of Central Management Services representative, four public members representing certified businesses, and four legislative appointees (two from House, two from Senate).

• Department of Central Management Services shall provide administrative support including an Ethics Officer and assistance with Freedom of Information Act requests and state ethics law compliance.

• Commission must hold first meeting in January 2022 and meet at least quarterly thereafter, with all meetings subject to the Open Meetings Act and annual findings published to the Governor, General Assembly, and public.