Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB0698

Introduced
1/26/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation is expected to result in increased opportunities for veteran-owned businesses to participate in state contracts. Notably, it mandates that at least 5% of contracts awarded by the state's procurement commission must be allocated to veteran-owned businesses, setting a clear expectation for inclusion. This amendment seeks to level the playing field for veterans in the business community, particularly in competing with other minority-owned businesses, and to ensure equitable representation in state contracting processes.

Summary

House Bill 0698 aims to amend the Tennessee Code to include veteran-owned businesses in the state's procurement guidelines. This bill defines a veteran and a veteran-owned business, establishing that a veteran is someone who has served honorably in the armed forces. The bill stipulates that for a business to be classified as a veteran-owned business, it must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans or, in the case of a public company, at least 51% of the stock must be owned by veterans. This inclusion reflects a growing recognition of the contributions of veterans to society and the economy.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 0698 appears to be positive, particularly among advocacy groups and legislators focused on supporting veterans. Many view the bill as a crucial step towards recognizing and fostering veteran entrepreneurship. However, there may be concerns about how this mandate could impact the dynamics of contracting opportunities for other groups, particularly women and minority-owned businesses, as the legislation could lead to competitive tensions among different categories seeking equal opportunities for state contracts.

Contention

While the bill is largely supported, there may be points of contention regarding quotas and the potential division of limited resources among various groups. Critics may argue that specifying a percentage of contracts for veteran-owned businesses could inadvertently create a hierarchy among business groups, potentially neglecting the needs of other disadvantaged businesses. The implementation of this law will be closely monitored to ensure that fair opportunities are maintained across all categories of business ownership.

Companion Bills

TN SB0965

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.