Veterans (Local Government)

This bill authorizes New Jersey counties and municipalities to create programs reserving portions of public contracts for qualified minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses. It defines specific eligibility criteria for these businesses (e.g., 51% ownership by women or minority group members) and allows local governments to establish "set-aside" contracts exclusively for them. The bill also explicitly permits joint ventures between qualifying businesses and non-qualifying businesses, requiring written agreements detailing each partner's role. These programs apply to all county and municipal purchasing, including construction, goods, and services. The change directly affects local governments, businesses meeting the defined criteria, and public procurement processes across the state.