Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB0311

Introduced
1/19/23  
Refer
1/30/23  
Refer
2/21/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12, relative to veterans.

Impact

By establishing a designation for veteran-owned businesses within state law, HB0311 is expected to offer these businesses better access to government contracts. It outlines that the procurement commission should aim for at least 5% of annual contracts to be awarded to veteran-owned businesses, which could significantly bolster the economic prospects for these entities. Furthermore, this act emphasizes the importance of fair representation in government contracting, thereby promoting inclusivity in the state's economic framework.

Summary

House Bill 0311 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 12, to enhance recognition and provisions for veteran-owned businesses. The bill introduces definitions for veteran and veteran-owned businesses, ensuring that businesses meeting specific criteria, such as being at least 51% owned and operated by veterans, qualify for certain benefits. The amendment is designed to include veteran-owned entities alongside existing classifications for minority and woman-owned businesses in state procurement processes, reflecting a commitment to support veteran entrepreneurship and economic participation.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB0311 appears to be positive, especially among veteran advocacy groups and supporters of veterans' rights. Proponents argue that the bill recognizes the valuable contributions of veterans to society and the economy. They view it as a step toward ensuring that veterans are given equitable opportunities in business. However, while the sentiment among supporters is strong, there could be concerns regarding how effectively the 5% goal is implemented and monitored in practice, which may lead to future discussions around accountability.

Contention

While the bill does not appear to have significant opposition, potential points of contention could arise regarding its implementation, such as the criteria for qualifying as a veteran-owned business and the effectiveness of the 5% contract award goal. Critics may also question whether the focus on veteran-owned businesses could inadvertently disadvantage businesses owned by other groups, such as those led by women or minorities. Ensuring that the bill promotes a fair competitive landscape for all businesses while achieving its goals for veteran businesses will be crucial.

Companion Bills

TN SB1336

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12, relative to veterans.

Previously Filed As

TN SB0948

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47 and Title 67, relative to veterans.

TN HB1134

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47 and Title 67, relative to veterans.

TN HB0309

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 58, Chapter 3, relative to veterans.

TN SB0528

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 58, Chapter 3, relative to veterans.

TN SB2305

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 52; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to veterans' benefits.

TN HB2469

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 52; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to veterans' benefits.

TN SB1613

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 58, Chapter 7, relative to state veterans' homes.

TN HB1914

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 58, Chapter 7, relative to state veterans' homes.

TN SB0249

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11, Chapter 3 and Title 58, relative to state park discounts for veterans.

TN HB0328

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11, Chapter 3 and Title 58, relative to state park discounts for veterans.

Similar Bills

TN HB2560

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB2248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB0806

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1235

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 21; Title 9; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to state entities.