BILL ANALYSIS
By: Lucio III
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
During the 74th legislature, a program was created that would encourage government entities to contract with businesses owned by certain classifications of minority individuals. The program designated a "historically underutilized business (HUB) coordinator" for state agencies with biennial budgets that exceed $10 million whose job it would be to improve state relations with these businesses. In addition, businesses that met the HUB qualifications would be involved in a variety of programs including a mentor-protégé program, business presentations, strategic planning sessions, and annual reports. This would allow service-disabled veterans who own businesses to qualify as a HUB, and therefore receive all of the services and benefits of that program.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
The bill amends Section 2161.001(3) of the Government Code to include, in the definition of "economically disadvantaged person," veterans as defined by 38 U.S.C. Section 101(2) who have a service-connected disability as defined by 38 U.S.C. Section 101(16).
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The original bill amends Section 2161.001(3) of the Government Code to include, in the definition of "economically disadvantaged person," veterans as defined by 38 U.S.C. Section 101(2) who either have a service-connected disability as defined by 38 U.S.C. Section 101(16) or have received the Purple Heart; whereas the substitute removes veterans who have received the Purple Heart from the definition.