Supporting Local Business Enterprises Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

This bill amends the District of Columbia's Small and Certified Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Act to strengthen requirements for businesses working on government-assisted projects. It directly affects local businesses seeking certification as certified business enterprises (CBEs), government contractors, and non-profit entities that may receive government contracts. Key provisions include clarifying that CBE applicants must be independently owned and operated, prohibiting beneficiaries from subcontracting to companies where they hold an ownership interest, and establishing new invoicing and payment timelines to ensure timely compensation to subcontractors. The legislation also introduces stricter penalty structures for violations, expands the definition of beneficiaries to include non-profits, and repeals several outdated program requirements. Additionally, it creates uniform hearing procedures for enforcement actions and establishes certification processes that can be activated during public health emergencies.