The state of Texas has paused the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, ceasing new certifications and renewals for minority- and women-owned businesses. 

This host program follows the frozen Executive Order GA-55 signed by Governor Greg Abbott, which instructs all state agencies to pursue “color-blind” constitutional protections and ban any government form of discrimination based on race. 

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced the freeze on Oct. 28, explaining that the review of HUB program procedures and rules is underway to ensure full compliance with state and federal constitutions.

Procurement officials clarified that agencies must now perform contracting entirely in accordance with legal race-neutral criteria, which also means that there will be no contract set-asides based on race or sex while the HUB program is on hold. 

Eligible businesses may continue to solicit and submit bids for state contracts, but not under any new or newly renewed HUB certification status while the program is suspended.

The HUB program's future is now in the hands of the review results showing evidence of possible legislative changes when the Texas Legislature meets again. Business owners will have to wait for the new procedures to take effect if they are seeking a certification or an expired certification renewal. 

There will be no impact on ongoing contracts or non-HUB reporting.