TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1958

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1958

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/7/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/21/09  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to including certain veterans service organizations as small businesses for the purpose of state contracting.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB1958 would enable recognized veterans service organizations to compete for government contracts more effectively, thereby enhancing their capacity to serve veterans. This inclusion could lead to an increase in funding for services dedicated to veterans, potentially improving the support available to this demographic. The application of these provisions to contracts advertised or solicited after September 1, 2009, indicates a progressive shift in how such organizations are viewed in the context of state procurement.

Summary

SB1958 aims to include certain veterans service organizations as small businesses for the purposes of state contracting in Texas. The bill defines a 'veterans service agency' to be a community-based organization that provides essential services such as housing, substance abuse treatment, case management, and employment training to low-income veterans, disabled veterans, and homeless veterans and their families. By redefining these organizations as small businesses, the legislation seeks to create more opportunities for veterans service agencies to participate in state contracts.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial in promoting inclusivity of veterans service organizations within the small business framework, there may be concerns regarding the competitiveness of these organizations in the contracting marketplace. Some critics may worry that the legislation could potentially lead to questions about the qualifications of these organizations compared to traditional businesses. Furthermore, the financial implications on existing contract allocations and the efficacy of these agencies in fulfilling contract obligations might spark discussion among stakeholders in the legislative process.

Companion Bills

TX HB4450

Identical Relating to including certain veterans service organizations as small businesses for the purpose of state contracting.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1418

Relating to state agency contracting and certain state employees involved with the contracting.

TX HB2710

Relating to school district purchasing of and contracting for goods and services.

TX HB5009

Relating to the establishment of a certification program for public work contracting purposes for operators of certain facilities that emit air contaminants.

TX HB2558

Relating to the authority of the TexAmericas Center to provide services to and make investments in certain business enterprises and to create certain business organizations for purposes of the center.

TX SB1187

Relating to the authority of the TexAmericas Center to provide services to and make investments in certain business enterprises and to create certain business organizations for purposes of the center.

TX HB2182

Relating to the consideration of ownership interests of certain persons in determining whether a business is a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting.

TX SB877

Relating to the consideration of ownership interests of certain persons in determining whether a business is a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting.

TX HB1717

Relating to the consideration of ownership interests of certain persons with a disability in determining whether a business is a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting.

TX HB3573

Relating to modernizing the regulation of money services businesses.

TX HB5140

Relating to a prohibition against the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor in governmental employment or contracting, in other governmental functions, and in higher education admissions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.