A. The legislature hereby establishes the Louisiana Initiative for Veteran and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Entrepreneurships (the Veteran Initiative), hereinafter referred to in this Chapter as the “initiative”, to facilitate the growth and stability of Louisiana’s economy by fostering utilization by state interests of the business offerings available for state procurement and public contracts from Louisiana’s veteran and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurships, and providing a clearinghouse of information to these entrepreneurships. Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have served the state of Louisiana and the United States, often at great risk, to preserve the American dream of freedom and prosperity. Given the magnitude of the state’s procurement and public contracting activity, state government is uniquely situated to create an environment where veteran and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurships have an opportunity to thrive and ultimately enhance the stability of Louisiana’s economy.

            B. The provisions of this Chapter are intended to encourage business opportunities for veteran and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurships. The criteria for certification as a veteran and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurship for the purposes of the initiative shall be as established in La. Rev. Stat. 39:2176, and as may be additionally refined by administrative rule.

            Acts 2009, No. 167, §1; Acts 2018, No. 585, §1, eff. May 28, 2018.