SHB 2925

SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2925

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Economic Development, Trade & Management, February 27, 2008
Ways & Means, March 03, 2008

Title: An act relating to establishing a plan for improving the effectiveness of the office of minority and women's business enterprises.

Brief Description: Establishing a plan for improving the effectiveness of the office of minority and women's business enterprises.

Sponsors: House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Pettigrew, Bailey, McDonald, Darneille, Upthegrove, Hasegawa, Loomis, Kelley, Hankins, Rolfes, Morrell, Schual-Berke and Santos).

Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Management: 2/20/08, 2/27/08 [DPA-WM].

Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Kauffman, King and Shin.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Fairley, Hatfield, Hobbs, Keiser, Oemig, Parlette, Rasmussen, Regala, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Tom.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Roach.

Background: The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) was created in 1983 with the purpose to provide minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) the maximum practicable opportunity for increased participation in public works contracts and public contracts for goods and services.

The OMWBE is the sole authority to certify minority, women-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses for participation in public contracting programs. Only small business concerns, as defined by the OMWBE, may be certified.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The OMWBE is to establish a plan to: streamline the certification process, improve outreach, and facilitate use of certified firms; encourage participation of certified firms as contractors; and complete a database that allows communication with state agencies on the participation of firms certified under the OMWBE process.

The plan must be developed in consultation with the Advisory Committee on Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (Advisory Committee) and be reported to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2008.

The Advisory Committee must be established by July 1, 2008. Membership on the Advisory Committee is to include representatives from business owners that are customers of the OMWBE, state agencies, organizations that represent certified businesses, and local governments.

Members of the Advisory Committee are to be reimbursed for travel expenses.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Technical changes are made. Reimbursement for travel expenses of Advisory Committee members is required.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute Bill (Economic Development, Trade & Management): PRO: This is intended to regain some momentum for small businesses. This will help the office be more effective. This will encourage more participation. It will also provide accountability.

OTHER: The Governor's Office is looking at this and may have some suggestions for language that will be acceptable.

Persons Testifying (Economic Development, Trade & Management): PRO: Representative Kenney, prime sponsor.

OTHER: Cathy Canorro, OMWBE.