Bill > SB438

This bill amends the definition of "veteran" in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and adds a new subchapter to Chapter 96 of Title 51 related to veteran-owned businesses. The key provisions include: 1. Expanding the definition of "veteran" to include additional categories of individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including reservists and National Guard members. 2. Requiring the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to develop an official Commonwealth logotype to be used by veteran-owned businesses and establish an application process for eligible businesses to receive a license to use the logotype. 3. Allowing the Department to contract with a nonprofit membership association to perform certain duties related to the veteran-owned business logotype, except for verifying the military service status of applicants. 4. Imposing a penalty of a third-degree misdemeanor for individuals who fraudulently hold themselves out as veterans to obtain a license or use the logotype. The overall purpose of the bill is to provide a way for veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania to be identified and recognized through the use of an official Commonwealth logotype.