Missouri § 37.020 - Definitions — socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns — plan to increase and maintain participation — study — oversight review committee, members — nonprofit designated as minority or women's business enterprise, purpose.

Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 37.020 — Definitions — socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns — plan to increase and maintain participation — study — oversight review committee, members — nonprofit designated as minority or women's business enterprise, purpose., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 37.020. Definitions — socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns — plan to increase and maintain participation — study — oversight review committee, members — nonprofit designated as minority or women's business enterprise, purpose.

1.  As used in this section, the following words and phrases mean:

(1)  "Certification", the determination, through whatever procedure is used by the office of administration, that a legal entity is a socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern for purposes of this section;

(2)  "Department", the office of administration and any public institution of higher learning in the state of Missouri;

(3)  "Minority business enterprise", a business that is:

(a)  A sole proprietorship owned and controlled by a minority;

(b)  A partnership or joint venture owned and controlled by minorities in which at least fifty-one percent of the ownership interest is held by minorities and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more of the minorities who own it; or

(c)  A corporation or other entity whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minorities who own it, and which is at least fifty-one percent owned by one or more minorities, or if stock is issued, at least fifty-one percent of the stock is owned by one or more minorities;

(4)  "Socially and economically disadvantaged individuals", individuals, regardless of gender, who have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or sexual prejudice or cultural bias because of their identity as a member of a group without regard to their individual qualities and whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same business area.  In determining the degree of diminished credit and capital opportunities the office of administration shall consider, but not be limited to, the assets and net worth of such individual;

(5)  "Socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern", any small business concern:

(a)  Which is at least fifty-one percentum owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least fifty-one percentum of the stock of which is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and

(b)  Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of such individuals;

(6)  "Women's business enterprise", a business that is:

(a)  A sole proprietorship owned and controlled by a woman;

(b)  A partnership or joint venture owned and controlled by women in which at least fifty-one percent of the ownership interest is held by women and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more of the women who own it; or

(c)  A corporation or other entity whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women who own it, and which is at least fifty-one percent owned by women, or if stock is issued, at least fifty-one percent of the stock is owned by one or more women.

2.  The office of administration, in consultation with each department, shall establish and implement a plan to increase and maintain the participation of certified socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns or minority business enterprises, directly or indirectly, in contracts for supplies, services, and construction contracts, consistent with goals determined after an appropriate study conducted to determine the availability of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and minority business enterprises in the marketplace.  The commissioner of administration shall appoint an oversight review committee to oversee and review the results of such study.  The committee shall be composed of nine members, four of whom shall be members of business, three of whom shall be from staff of selected departments, one of whom shall be a member of the house of representatives, and one of whom shall be a member of the senate.

3.  The goals to be pursued by each department under the provisions of this section shall be construed to overlap with those imposed by federal law or regulation, if any, shall run concurrently therewith and shall be in addition to the amount required by federal law only to the extent the percentage set by this section exceeds those required by federal law or regulations.

4.  The commissioner of administration may designate a nonprofit organization as a minority business enterprise or women's business enterprise for the exclusive purpose of competing in other states, provided that the organization is headquartered in Missouri and the collective majority of the organization's board of directors and executive management in charge of daily business operations are minorities or women.

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(L. 1990 S.B. 808 & 672 § 6, A.L. 2014 H.B. 1299 Revision, A.L. 2018 S.B. 802)

---- end of effective  28 Aug 2018 ----

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Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 37.020

What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 37.020 cover?

Section 37.020 ("Definitions — socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns — plan to increase and maintain participation — study — oversight review committee, members — nonprofit designated as minority or women's business enterprise, purpose.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Missouri § 37.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 37.020" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Missouri law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.

How does Missouri § 37.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.