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Transportation omnibus advances after debate over minority/women-owned business language and prison training jobs
Summary
The House passed CS/CS/CS for SB 1662, a transportation omnibus bill, after members debated removal of explicit references to minority- and women-owned businesses and additions to workforce training for formerly incarcerated people; the measure passed 103-7.
House members approved CS for CS for CS for Senate Bill 1662, a transportation omnibus bill, after structured debate over several elements, including changes to the bill's treatment of minority- and women-owned business preferences and a provision expanding workforce training for people in correctional facilities.
Representative Abbott, the bill sponsor, said the measure removes specific references to "minority and women owned businesses" in some contracting language and replaces those references with a broader small-business focus. Abbott argued the change expands opportunity to all qualifying small businesses and that the bill adds notice and measurement provisions to ensure small-business participation. "Because by repealing those, we're ensuring that employment opportunities and state contracts are awarded on merit based metrics and economic outcomes," Abbott said.
Opponents said the change removes an important tool for ensuring participation by historically disadvantaged firms. Representative Hart said minority- and women-owned businesses historically have not gotten a fair share of large contracts and called the removal of that language a step backward.
The bill also includes workforce provisions aimed at training veterans, high-school and vocational students, and individuals who are incarcerated. Abbott noted the bill establishes the Florida Transportation Academy and maintains training and reentry-focused opportunities. Representative Hart and others supported the portions that provide training pathways for people leaving incarceration.
After amendments addressing seaworthy projects, port conversion oversight, and other technical provisions, the House approved final passage by a vote of 103 yeas to 7 nays. The bill will now be enrolled and sent toward final processing with the Senate companion.
