SENATE BILL REPORT
2SHB 1909
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. |
As of March 29, 2013
Title: An act relating to veteran-owned businesses.
Brief Description: Concerning veteran-owned businesses.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunt, O'Ban, Morrell, Hayes and Bergquist; by request of Governor Inslee).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/13/13, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 3/28/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) certifies certain businesses as veteran-owned businesses. 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 to qualify as a veteran-owned business.
WDVA collects and maintains a list of certified veteran-owned businesses on its website and issues decals for businesses to display and identify themselves as veteran-owned businesses.
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 contacts for public works and personal service. The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) keeps records of all veteran-owned businesses certified by WDVA.
Agencies must perform outreach to veteran-owned businesses and match records with the WDVA list of certified veteran-owned businesses to determine how many contracts are awarded to veteran-owned businesses. WDVA must collaborate with and assist other agencies in implementing outreach to veteran-owned business.
Summary of Bill: A business that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled jointly by a veteran and their spouse or domestic partner may qualify as a veteran-owned business if the veteran is involved in day-to-day business operations.
To qualify as a veteran-owned business, WDVA must certify at least one of the following:
the principal office is located in the state;
the veteran owner is a resident of the state; or
if the business is a corporation, all corporate officers are residents of the state.
State agencies are encouraged to award 5 percent of all procurement contracts for public works, goods and services, architectural and engineering services, and transportation construction and maintenance to certified veteran-owned businesses. State agencies must also provide contracting records to match with WDVA's list of veteran-owned businesses.
WDVA and DES must provide access to a centralized list of all certified veteran-owned businesses and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that veteran-owned businesses have an opportunity to participate in public contracts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a good way to improve veteran-owned businesses and keep the benefits to in-state businesses. The Veterans Legislative Coalition supports this bill. Many veterans finished management training through the state and would like the help competing with everyone else. This is a slightly less-complicated certification process than the Office of Minority and Women
Business Enterprises, and we do not charge a fee. This makes the process for procurement easier and will impact all purchasing, not just non-competitive purchasing.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hunt, prime sponsor; Dan Miller, Veterans Legislative Coalition; Skip Dreps, NW Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Heidi Audette, WDVA.