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Bill

A 1687

Requires State Chief Diversity Officer to conduct study of utilization of disabled veteran-owned businesses in State procurement process.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and 5 co-sponsors

New Jersey requires its Chief Diversity Officer to study state procurement's use of disabled veteran-owned businesses and identify improvement opportunities.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 1687

Legislative bill overview

A 1687 mandates New Jersey's Chief Diversity Officer to conduct a comprehensive study examining how state government currently uses disabled veteran-owned businesses (DVOBs) in its procurement process. The study would assess utilization rates, identify barriers to participation, and presumably recommend improvements to increase DVOB involvement in state contracts.

Why is this important

Disabled veterans represent a population with both service-related sacrifices and entrepreneurial potential, yet often face systemic barriers to business success. State procurement represents substantial spending power—understanding current DVOB utilization reveals whether government is effectively supporting this demographic and could inform policy changes affecting millions in contracting opportunities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify study budget, timeline, staffing, or whether recommendations carry implementation authority, potentially creating unfunded mandates
  • Defining "disabled veteran-owned": No clear threshold for what percentage ownership/control qualifies a business, which could affect how many vendors are studied and targeted
  • Implementation gaps: Study findings alone don't guarantee procurement changes; lacks mechanisms to enforce recommendations or accountability measures if state agencies ignore results

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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