Episode Description
We break down HB 2684 and what a rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage would mean for Washington’s public contracting. We lay out who would be covered, the stakes for OMWBE certification, and our concerns about fairness, capture, and oversight.
• aims and scope of HB 2684
• how OMWBE certification affects bids and goals
• the meaning of rebuttable presumption
• listed demographic groups and rulemaking power
• risks of fraud, favoritism, and weak oversight
• equity outcomes versus process shortcuts
• ideas for audits, transparency, and sunset review