Relating to including certain veteran-owned businesses within the definition of a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting.

HB 4790 amends Texas law to include veteran-owned small businesses certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a type of "historically underutilized business" for state contracting purposes. This change directly affects veteran-owned businesses that hold SBA certification, allowing them to qualify for state procurement programs designed to support underutilized businesses. The bill adds a new definition (subdivision F) to the existing Government Code, specifying that such businesses must be "owned and controlled by veterans" and certified by the SBA. This policy change expands eligibility for state contracts without altering existing requirements for other business categories. The amendment takes effect September 1, 2025.