SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5834

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 Passed Senate, March 13, 2013

Title: An act relating to veteran-owned businesses.

Brief Description: Concerning veteran-owned businesses.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Roach, Holmquist Newbry, Conway and McAuliffe; by request of Governor Inslee).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 2/22/13 [DPS].

Passed Senate: 3/13/13, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5834 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Member; Braun, Conway, Fraser and Rivers.

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 Substitute 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:

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. WDVA must report annually on all state agencies and educational institutions contracting with veteran-owned businesses.

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: Veteran-owned businesses will get 5 percent of procurement contracts, and we are going to work with agencies to track this. This bill is going to be a benefit to the veteran community and veteran-owned businesses.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Alfie Alvarado, WDVA.