Bill > SB817

This bill amends existing California law concerning state contracts and participation goals for minority, women, and disabled veteran business enterprises. Key changes include defining "disabled veteran" and "disabled veteran business enterprise" (DVBE) to ensure businesses are at least 51% owned and managed by disabled veterans, and that their home office is in the United States. The bill also updates references to state agencies involved in supporting these businesses, specifically changing "Office of Small and Minority Business" to "Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services" and clarifying that federal agencies like the Small Business Administration are to be utilized. Furthermore, it expands the types of state contracts for which a business utilization plan can be submitted, including commodities, property, goods, professional services, and construction work, and allows for direct and indirect costs to be applied to DVBE participation goals. The bill also strengthens penalties for fraudulent activities related to these programs, including increased civil penalties and longer suspension periods for businesses that violate the provisions.