HB5331 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB097 17596 PJG 62802 b

97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB5331

Introduced 2/8/2012, by Rep. Fred Crespo

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

30 ILCS 575/8g new

Amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act. Creates the Female-Owned Business Task Force to determine (i) the average timeline for businesses to be certified under the Act; (ii) whether it takes longer for female-owned businesses to be certified; and (iii) if so, why it takes longer for female-owned businesses to be certified. Provides that the Task Force shall formulate guidance on how to improve the timeline and procedure in certifying female-owned businesses. Sets forth the membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall hold 2 or more meetings at which it shall hear testimony regarding matters in dealing with business affairs with the State pertaining to the classification of women-owned businesses. Provides that the Task Force shall submit its recommendations in a report by January 1, 2013 to the General Assembly. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning finance.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act is amended by adding Section 8g as follows:

(30 ILCS 575/8g new)

Sec. 8g. Female-Owned Business Task Force.

(a) The Female-Owned Business Task Force is created and shall consist of 11 members as follows: 4 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom the Speaker shall name as co-chair; 4 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom the Minority Leader shall name as co-chair; one representative of the Business Enterprise Program of the Department of Central Management Services appointed by the Director of Central Management Services; one representative of the Business Services Office of the Secretary of State appointed by the Secretary of State; and one representative of the Governor's office appointed by the Governor.

(b) The Task Force shall determine the following:

(1) the average timeline for businesses to be certified under this Act;

(2) whether it takes longer than average for female-owned businesses to be certified under this Act; and

(3) why it takes longer than average for female-owned businesses to be certified under this Act, if it is determined that it takes longer.

(c) The Task Force shall hold 2 or more hearings. One hearing shall be held in Springfield, and one hearing shall be held in Chicago. At the hearing, the Task Force shall hear and encourage the presentation of testimony regarding matters in dealing with business affairs with the State pertaining to the classification of female-owned businesses.

(d) The Task Force shall formulate practical, timely, and strategic guidance on how to improve the timeline and procedure in certifying female-owned businesses under this Act. The Task Force shall submit its recommendations in a report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2013.

(e) The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall provide administrative support to the Task Force.

(f) This Section is repealed on January 1, 2014.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.