If you are a contractor or subcontractor that may bid on a state job in the future, the answer is yes.

Every state procurement contract and subcontract awarded after October 1, 2006 must include a clause in which the bidder agrees not to engage in acts of commercial discrimination against certain protected classes. Aggrieved persons may file a complaint with the state Human Relations Commission. Allegations of discrimination may involve any commercial conduct, and not just that involving state contracts. Companies found to have engaged in commercial discrimination may be debarred from bidding on state contracts for up to three years.

For further information, see the fiscal note here (pdf) or contact Ron Wineholt at rwineholt@mdchamber.org.

Also, see this article by Robert C. Kellner and Todd R. Chason of Gordon Feinblatt published in last week’s Daily Record.