AR HB1790

Defines "service-disabled veteran" as an individual disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who has been an Arkansas resident for at least two years.

Requires state agencies, departments, and political subdivisions to give preference to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses when awarding contracts if quality is equal or better than competing bids.

Allows price preferences for service-disabled veteran businesses within specified percentages based on contract value: 10% for bids under $100,000; 8% for $100,000-$499,999; 5% for $500,000-$999,999; and 2% for bids $1,000,000 or more.

Sets a goal of awarding 3% of all state and political subdivision contracts to service-disabled veteran businesses.

Eliminates the preference requirement if no qualified service-disabled veteran businesses meet the established quality and price standards.