1.1A bill for an act1.2relating to state government; veterans; designating veteran-owned small 1.3businesses as targeted group businesses for purposes of awarding certain state 1.4and metro agency procurement contracts;amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, 1.5section 16C.16, subdivision 5.1.6BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:1.7    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.16, subdivision 5, is amended to read:1.8    Subd. 5. Designation of targeted groups. (a) The commissioner of administration 1.9shall periodically designate businesses that are majority owned and operated by women, 1.10persons with a substantial physical disability, or specific minorities as targeted group 1.11businesses within purchasing categories as determined by the commissioner. A group 1.12may be targeted within a purchasing category if the commissioner determines there is a 1.13statistical disparity between the percentage of purchasing from businesses owned by 1.14group members and the representation of businesses owned by group members among all 1.15businesses in the state in the purchasing category.1.16(b) In addition to designations under paragraph (a), an individual business may be 1.17included as a targeted group business if the commissioner determines that inclusion is 1.18necessary to remedy discrimination against the owner based on race, gender, or disability 1.19in attempting to operate a business that would provide goods or services to public agencies.1.20(c) In addition to the designations under paragraphs (a) and (b), the commissioner 1.21of administration shall  designate businesses that are majority owned and operated by 1.22veterans as targeted group businesses within purchasing categories as determined by the 1.23commissioner. "Veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447, and also includes 1.24both currently serving and honorably discharged members of the national guard and 1.25other military reserves.2.1(c) (d) The designations of purchasing categories and businesses under paragraphs 2.2(a) and, (b), and (c) are not rules for purposes of chapter 14, and are not subject to 2.3rulemaking procedures of that chapter.2.4EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2007, and applies to 2.5procurement contract bid solicitations issued on and after that date.