Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB993

Introduced
3/20/25  
Refer
3/20/25  
Refer
5/5/25  
Report Pass
5/6/25  
Engrossed
5/6/25  

Caption

In veteran-owned small businesses, providing for veteran-owned business logotype; and imposing a penalty.

Impact

One significant aspect of HB 993 is its provision for a penalty against individuals who fraudulently claim to be veterans to utilize the logotype. This introduces a misdemeanor penalty, thus enhancing the integrity of the program designed to benefit legitimate veteran business owners. The collected fines will be deposited into the Veterans' Trust Fund, which may be used to further support veterans’ initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 993 aims to support veteran-owned small businesses in Pennsylvania by establishing an official logotype that identifies such businesses. The bill defines a 'veteran-owned business' as one where at least 51% of the ownership is held by a veteran. This identification system is intended to help consumer recognition, promote veteran participation in the economy, and potentially provide these businesses with advantages in the marketplace.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 993 appears generally positive. Supporters emphasize the importance of recognizing and supporting veteran-owned businesses as a means of economic development and community engagement. The establishment of a logotype could facilitate better visibility and recognition for these businesses, fostering a supportive consumer base that prioritizes veteran contributions to the economy.

Contention

While there is a broadly favorable view of the bill, there may be concerns regarding the administrative process involved in verifying the veteran status of business owners and ensuring that the logotype is not misused. Some might raise questions about the effectiveness of penalties and whether the checks in place are robust enough to prevent fraudulent claims. The need for clear guidelines for implementing the logotype and the criteria for eligibility will also be crucial for the bill's success.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB438

In veteran-owned small businesses, providing for veteran-owned business logotype and imposing a penalty.

PA HB92

In veteran-owned small businesses, providing for small diverse business.

PA SB884

In veteran-owned small businesses, providing for small diverse business.

PA HB2267

In diverse and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for definitions and for woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business and establishing the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program.

PA HB1317

In diverse and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for definitions and for woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business and establishing the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program.

PA SB91

Providing for veterans property tax and rent rebate assistance; establishing the Veterans Property Tax and Rent Rebate Assistance account; imposing penalties; and making a transfer.

PA HB2256

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small and Midsize Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program review and expiration; providing for Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2637

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program expiration; providing for Participation Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA SB531

In State Veterans' Commission and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs, further providing for Veterans' Trust Fund; and establishing the Veterans' Trust Fund Board.

PA SB248

In Commonwealth Financing Authority, establishing the Veteran-owned Business Loan Guarantee Program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.