Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2744
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Modifying certain provisions governing veteran-owned businesses.
Sponsors: Representatives G. Hunt, Appleton, Tarleton and Freeman.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/14
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
Veteran-Owned Businesses.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) certifies certain businesses as veteran-owned businesses. The DVA collects and maintains a list of certified veteran-owned businesses on its website and issues decals for businesses to identify themselves as veteran-owned businesses.
Businesses may submit an application to the DVA for certification. To qualify as a veteran-owned business, a business must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a veteran or an active or reserve member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, Coast Guard, or reserves.
The Legislature encourages state agencies to award 3 percent of all procurement contracts that are exempt from competitive bidding to veteran-owned businesses, including contracts by higher education institutions and contracts for public works and personal service. The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) keeps records of all veteran-owned businesses certified by the DVA.
Veteran Definition.
Veteran is defined generally as any person who has received an honorable discharge or a discharge for medical reasons with an honorable record, and has served as:
a member of any branch of the Armed Services, National Guard, or reserves, and has fulfilled his or her initial military obligation;
a member of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots;
a National Guard, reserves, or Coast Guard member called into federal service for at least a cumulative period of 6 months;
a civil service crewmember in oceangoing service aboard a military transport vessel during World War II;
a member of the Philippine armed forces or scouts during World War II; or
a documented merchant mariner who received military commendation for oceangoing service aboard a military vessel during the Korean or Vietnam Wars.
Summary of Bill:
A qualifying veteran-owned business must be an enterprise incorporated in the state as a domestic corporation, or an enterprise with its principal place of business located in the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.