BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 1960 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 10, 2012 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Mary Hayashi, Chair AB 1960 (Dickinson) - As Amended: March 27, 2012 SUBJECT : State contracts: reports: lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender businesses. SUMMARY : Requires the Department of General Services (DGS) to report on business participation levels by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) owners in contracts, as specified, beginning January 1, 2013. Specifically, this bill : 1)Requires DGS to report on the participation levels of LGBT businesses in state contracts that has been voluntarily reported as of January 1, 2013, for the following categories: a) Construction; b) Purchases of materials, supplies, or equipment; and, c) Professional services. 2)Makes technical and clarifying changes. EXISTING LAW requires DGS to report on business participation levels by race, ethnicity, and gender of the owner, in specified contracts. FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown COMMENTS : Purpose of this bill . According to the author's office, "Currently, the level of participation of business enterprises by race, gender, and ethnicity of a contractor is collected by DGS and annually reported. AB 1960 would add LGBT-owned businesses to the list? This is information that has the ability to show the extent to which this essential segment of society drives the state economy. " Background . Current law requires DGS to report the AB 1960 Page 2 participation levels of small businesses that include the owner's race, ethnicity, and gender information in statewide contracts. Support . According to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, "This bill represents a small, but crucial step toward breaking down discriminatory barriers that marginalize a key segment of our population. LGBT-owned businesses are a crucial part of our economy, and AB 1960 would help provide recognition for this invaluable role. This bill does not significantly change any laws, but instead adds an integral part of the California economy and community to the existing reporting requirements." REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION : Support 1st American Dream Team 2M Architecture American Airlines, Inc. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Aviva Spectrum City Lites Neon, Inc. Consulting Alliance, Inc. Echelon Magazine Golden Gate Business Association Greater San Diego Business Association Honorable Betty T. Yee, Member, Board of Equalization Landis Communications, Inc. Liberty & Church Communication Design Mortgage Lender Services, Inc. National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce New American Dimensions, LLC OutSmart Office Solutions, Inc. OutThink Partners Riviera Advisors, Inc. Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce The Healing Touch Chiropractic Van Dorn Enterprises, LLC WriteAway Communications Services Opposition None on file. AB 1960 Page 3 Analysis Prepared by : Joanna Gin / B.,P. & C.P. / (916) 319-3301