House approves voluntary registry for women- and minority-owned businesses

The Utah House on Feb. 1 approved House Bill 106, which directs the state to create a voluntary registry of women- and minority-owned businesses intended to make it easier for Utah firms to compete for federal contracts.

Representative Matt Wheatley (speaker introduced the bill on the floor) said the state lacks a current list of such firms and that up-to-date data would help the state and local corporations meet federal subcontracting goals and win contracts. “If we have never collected this data, why should we do it now? ... information is power,” he said, arguing the registry could help Utah retain federal contract dollars.

Debate touched on the bill’s scope and fiscal impact. Representative Bigelow warned that the fiscal note — a small commerce-service fund appropriation printed on the bill — might be insufficient for system reprogramming and cautioned the sponsor to assess whether the printed amount would accomplish the registry’s goals. The sponsor said registration is self-disclosed and not mandatory; firms that teach to stay in Utah can repay scholarships, but registry participation itself is voluntary.

Supporters described economic development and federal contracting opportunities at stake; opponents raised questions about funding and implementation capacity. The House passed HB106 by a recorded vote of 48 yes, 22 no with 5 absent. The bill will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.

What happens next: The Department of Commerce (or a named implementing office in the bill) would stand up the registry and manage outreach; practitioners and contractors would use the list to identify potential subcontractors. The final mechanics for data collection, outreach and any future funding adjustments will be subject to administrative planning and possible supplemental appropriations.