Preference for state contracts approved

Lawmakers gave final approval June 4 to a bill intended to help veterans and certain businesses to secure public contracts.

LB224, introduced by Fremont Sen. Charlie Janssen, provides a preference for a resident disabled veteran or a business located in a designated enterprise zone when awarding a state contract if all other factors are equal.

The bill defines a resident disabled veteran as an individual who:
• resides in Nebraska;
• was honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, including reserve or National Guard;
• possesses a disability letter establishing a service-connected disability;
• owns a business or, in the case of a publicly owned business, owns more than 50 percent of the stock; and
• controls the management and daily operation of a qualifying business.

LB224 passed 49-0.