DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 391 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Foil
Abstract: Creates The Veterans First Business Initiative.
Proposed law creates The Veterans First Business Initiative to be administered by La. Economic
Development (LED) to certify a business as veteran-owned.
Proposed law provides legislative intent in the creation of The Veterans First Business Initiative to
indicate the intention to honor the sacrifice that La. veterans have made, encourage them to start a
business, and to recognize businesses as veteran-owned.
Proposed law envisions a cooperation among LED, the La. Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA),
local chambers of commerce, regional economic development organizations, and local economic
development organizations throughout the state to promote veteran-owned businesses.
Proposed law provides that the intent of The Veterans First Business Initiative shall include outreach
to veterans who own businesses to encourage and assist the veteran to apply for the program and to
facilitate interactions between veteran-owned businesses and veterans seeking employment.
Proposed law requires LED to create the application and certification process, and create and
maintain a database of veteran-owned businesses which is searchable on its website.
Proposed law requires the creation of an insignia which will identify a business as being certified as
veteran-owned.
Proposed law requires the cooperation of LED and LDVA in order to confirm veteran status and
promote the program.
Proposed law requires LED to cooperate with LDVA and local and regional economic development
organizations and chambers of commerce in order to promote the initiative and veteran-owned
businesses.
Proposed law requires LED to promulgate rules to implement proposed law.
(Adds R.S. 51:3201-3208)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Commerce to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Reorganize legislative findings and intent to commend veterans for their tremendous
sacrifice, recognize the need for a program to aid in the reassimilation into civilian life,
and encourage veterans to start businesses; to create The Veterans First Business
Initiative; and to encourage cooperation between economic development organizations
to promote and recognize businesses as veteran-owned and to facilitate interactions
between veteran-owned businesses and veterans seeking employment.