A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT Authorizing the city of charlotte to adopt a commercial nondiscrimination policy.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article III of Chapter 8 of the Charter of the City of Charlotte, being S.L. 2000‑26, as amended, is amended by adding a new section to read:
"Section 8.89. Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy. The City may adopt a commercial nondiscrimination policy that provides the City will not purchase goods or services from businesses that discriminate against vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, or commercial customers. For purposes of this policy, the City may define discrimination to include acts based upon race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, or disability. Notwithstanding any other provision of law governing the City's purchase of goods or services, including G.S. 143-129 and G.S. 143-131, the City may: (i) consider a business' efforts to comply with the City's commercial nondiscrimination policy in awarding City contracts; (ii) in its discretion, refuse to award a contract to a business that has failed to comply with the policy; and (iii) for a period of up to three years, disqualify businesses that violate the policy from bidding for or participating in City contracts directly or indirectly whether as vendors, service providers, contractors, or subcontractors."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.