Relates to minority and women-owned business enterprise certification

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Berger

A 195 would reform minority- and women-owned business enterprise certification, altering eligibility, verification, and oversight for MWBE status.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Summary of Assembly Bill A 195 — Relates to minority and women-owned business enterprise certification

At a glance

Bill number: A 195

Title: Relates to minority and women-owned business enterprise certification

Sponsor: Sam Berger (primary)

Introduced: January 8, 2025

Status / Action: Referred to Governmental Operations (two identical entries shown on 2025-01-08)

Related bills:

S 3965 (companion)
S 3965 (companion)
A 10492 (prior-session)

What this bill would address (based on title)

The bill would relate to the certification process for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). The specific changes, definitions, criteria, and administrative requirements would be set forth in the bill’s text. The title signals an focus on eligibility, verification, and/or oversight of MWBE certifications.

Note: The provided material does not include the bill’s actual text, so the exact provisions, thresholds, timelines, and agencies affected are not enumerated here. The following sections outline the typical scope of MWBE certification legislation and what to look for once the bill text is available.

Potential provisions commonly found in MWBE certification bills (illustrative)

If A 195 follows standard MWBE reform patterns, it might address:
- Definitions of MWBE and related certification eligibility criteria.
- Application and renewal procedures for MWBE certification.
- Standards for verification and auditing of MWBE status.
- Responsibilities of state and local agencies in administering MWBE certification.
- Access to procurement opportunities, set-asides, or bid preferences tied to MWBE status.
- Compliance, penalties, or remedies for misrepresentation of MWBE status.
- Reporting requirements to track MWBE participation and outcomes.
- Timelines for implementation, effective dates, and sunset/renewal reviews.

Exact provisions will be clear only upon review of the bill’s text.

Who would be affected

Minority-owned and women-owned businesses seeking MWBE certification or renewal.

State and local agencies responsible for MWBE certification and enforcement.

Contractors and vendors seeking MWBE designation for procurement opportunities or bid preferences.

Potentially, businesses currently certified under existing MWBE programs who may be subject to updated criteria or re-certification.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred to the Committee: Governmental Operations (as of 2025-01-08).

The existence of a Senate companion (S 3965) suggests parallel action in the Senate, which can influence timing and amendments.

A prior-session related bill (A 10492) indicates prior attempts or related policy interest in this area.

Potential impact (where the bill could matter)

If enacted, could change how MWBE certification is obtained, renewed, or monitored.

May affect the pool of businesses eligible for MWBE considerations and thus access to procurement opportunities.

Could enhance transparency and accountability in MWBE programs, depending on the text.

Fiscal and administrative implications would depend on any new reporting, oversight, or compliance requirements.

Next steps for readers

Obtain the full bill text to review exact changes, definitions, and effective dates.

Track the companion Senate bill S 3965 for concurrent action and potential differences.

Monitor committee hearings and fiscal analyses to understand potential costs, implementation plans, and impact on MWBEs and procurement processes.