Relating to including certain veterans service organizations as small businesses for the purpose of state contracting.
Impact
By including veterans service organizations in the definition of small businesses, SB327 aims to increase their eligibility for state contracts, thereby enhancing their ability to secure funding and support for their missions. This could lead to an increase in the number of contracts awarded to such organizations, which may result in improved services for veterans across the state. The bill could also generate economic activity within this sector, benefiting both the organizations and the veterans they serve.
Summary
SB327 seeks to expand the definition of 'small business' for the purposes of state contracting to include certain veterans service organizations. This legislative change is designed to foster opportunities for these organizations, which are often focused on providing crucial services to veterans, including housing, employment training, and substance abuse treatment. The bill specifically defines 'veterans service agency' as a nonprofit organization that employs predominantly veterans and focuses on helping low-income, disabled, and homeless veterans.
Contention
While the bill is largely seen as a beneficial move for veterans service organizations, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of resources allocated to fulfill potential state contracts. Opponents might argue that the increased competition for state contracts could inadvertently disadvantage traditional small businesses that do not fall into this newly defined category. Additionally, some stakeholders may question whether these organizations possess the necessary expertise and capacity to handle larger state contracts effectively compared to established businesses.
Implementation
The bill stipulates that it applies to contracts for goods and services for which solicitations are published on or after September 1, 2011. This transitional provision aims to clarify the enforcement of the new rules regarding state contracts and ensures that existing obligations under previous laws remain intact until the new definition takes effect. Overall, SB327 represents a significant step towards enhancing support for veterans by redefining how certain organizations can participate in state contracting opportunities.
Relating to the establishment of a certification program for public work contracting purposes for operators of certain facilities that emit air contaminants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.