Public contracts: veterans preference.

Existing law requires state departments that award specified types of contracts to establish a 3% participation goal for certified disabled veteran business enterprises, as defined. Existing law makes it a crime to, among other things, willfully make false statements or to fraudulently obtain certification as a disabled veteran business enterprise, as specified. This bill would allow a bid preference, as provided, to a bidder of a public works contract if that bidder utilizes the Helmets to Hardhats program administered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment, and Veterans Employment, as specified. This bill would require that the bidder and each listed subcontractor submit a certified statement, as specified, and would impose a civil penalty, as provided, for knowingly providing false information in that statement. This bill would also make various legislative findings and declarations.