Today the Senate unanimously approved Sen. Curtis King’s bill that would provide a new avenue for minority-owned contracting companies to work with state transportation leaders on issues that affect their businesses.

“I was approached by minority-owned business leaders who had become frustrated with the Department of Transportation. These leaders were requesting some minor changes that would provide additional oversight to the admittedly complicated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. The result of their meeting with me was this simple bill,” said King, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Senate Bill 6180 would create a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advisory Committee. within the Washington State Transportation Commission, aimed at increasing accountability and transparency regarding DBE activities.

“The law requires compliance with the goals of the DBE program. This bill will go a long way toward ensuring those goals are being met,” said King. “It was gratifying to see both sides of the aisle come together in support of this legislation today.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for its consideration.