OH HB492

Establishes a women-owned business enterprise (WOBE) program under the Director of Administrative Services to promote procurement opportunities for certified women-owned businesses in state contracts.

Defines a women-owned business enterprise as a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens and residents of Ohio or a reciprocal state, with such ownership maintained for at least one year.

Requires state agencies to establish procurement goals for contracting with women-owned business enterprises based on availability of eligible participants by region and industry classification across four categories: construction/architecture/engineering, professional services, goods and services, and information technology services.

Mandates the Director adopt administrative rules establishing certification procedures, standards for disqualification, complaint mediation processes, outreach programs, self-reporting systems, waiver mechanisms, and monitoring compliance through equal employment opportunity officers.

Allows the Director to enter reciprocal agreements with other states to recognize their certified women-owned businesses in Ohio and allow Ohio-certified businesses to participate in similar programs in those states.