Minnesota Senate Bill SF3017

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/20/23

Caption

Small businesses owned by lesbian, gay. bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, or sexual identification people addition to the list of targeted group businesses for the purposes of state procurement

Impact

If enacted, the bill would influence the way state procurement decisions are made by formally identifying and promoting businesses owned by sexual and gender minority individuals. The amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2022, specifically section 16C.16, would empower the commissioner of administration to designate these businesses as targeted group entities, thus allowing for preferential treatment in state contracting processes. This could enhance economic opportunities for these businesses and diversify the vendors used by state agencies.

Summary

SF3017 proposes to amend Minnesota's procurement laws by including small businesses owned by individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, or other nonbinary gender or sexual identification within the designated targeted group businesses. This inclusion aims to create a more equitable business environment, recognizing and addressing historical disparities faced by these groups in accessing state contracts and procurement opportunities.

Contention

However, the bill may encounter contention among lawmakers and the public regarding the implications of targeted group designations. Proponents argue that this legislation is a necessary step to rectify historical inequalities and ensure that all business owners have equitable access to government opportunities. In contrast, critics may raise concerns about creating preferential treatment that could lead to questions of fairness or question the focus on purely identity-based qualifications for business opportunities.