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SB 1622

SB 1622 - This act prevents any political subdivision from taking into account a protected status, such as race, religion, or sex, when awarding contracts. Intentional or knowing violations of this act are punishable by a fine of one hundred thousand dollars. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jill Carter

Missouri bill prohibits local governments from considering protected characteristics like race, gender, and disability when awarding contracts, eliminating diversity-based procurement practices.

Second Read and Referred S Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1622

Legislative bill overview

SB 1622 prohibits Missouri political subdivisions (cities, counties, school districts, etc.) from considering protected statuses—such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and sexual orientation—when awarding government contracts. The bill essentially eliminates diversity-focused procurement practices and affirmative action considerations in local government contracting.

Why is this important

Government contracts represent significant economic opportunities and taxpayer resources. How they're allocated affects which businesses thrive, who gets hired, and whether historically disadvantaged groups can access opportunities. This bill shifts from merit-plus-diversity evaluation to strict merit-only criteria, fundamentally changing procurement philosophy across Missouri's local governments.

Potential points of contention

  • Competing views on merit: Supporters argue merit should be sole factor; critics contend that protected-status considerations help address historical discrimination and can still coexist with merit-based evaluation
  • Economic equity concerns: Opponents worry elimination of diversity contracting will reduce opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned businesses; supporters counter that removing status-based preferences creates truly equal access
  • Constitutional questions: Proponents cite equal protection arguments; critics may challenge whether the bill conflicts with federal civil rights law or affirmative action jurisprudence
  • Implementation details: Unclear how "merit" alone will be defined and measured across diverse procurement contexts, potentially creating enforcement challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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