HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS

Bill would create full and equitable opportunities for women and minority-owned small businesses 

The Historically Underutilized Business Opportunity Act, which would stimulate economic development and job creation for small businesses, on Monday unanimously passed the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.  

House Bill 82, sponsored by Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Linda Serrato (D – Santa Fe), would encourage state agencies’ use of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) in New Mexico, including those owned by women and minorities.  

“House Bill 82 will help businesses owned by women and people of color to navigate business with the state,” said Rep. Linda Serrato (D – Santa Fe) “It would establish an official designation for HUBs, create a searchable database of these businesses for use by state agencies, and set goals to reach businesses that are more representative of our state. 

Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque) added: “New Mexico’s small businesses are at the heart of our state’s success. By providing them the necessary resources, distinction as HUBs, and a way to connect with big contracts, we are giving them the tools to flourish and help diversify our economy.”  

House Bill 82 unanimously passed the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee and will now advance to the House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee.  

House Bill 82 would require that small businesses be more than fifty percent owned by women or African American, Latino or Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, or Alaska Native individuals to be eligible for the Act.  

Members of the public can access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the New Mexico Legislature website on the Webcasts tab. The Roundhouse will be closed to the public for the entirety of the 2021 session to curtail the potential spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.