BILL NUMBER: S8608A
SPONSOR: MYRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to the purchase of
firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories
 
PURPOSE:
To amend the state finance law to update the firearm procurement proc-
ess.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 139-n to the State Finance Law requiring
that bids submitted to the state or any public department or agency for
the purchase of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories contain a
certification, affirmed under penalty of perjury, regarding the bidder's
compliance with applicable federal, state, and local firearm laws and
business practices. The certification includes representations that the
bidder is properly licensed where required, complies with laws governing
the sale and transfer of firearms and related products, does not sell
non-serialized gun build kits or firearm precursor parts, maintains
policies and practices to prevent straw purchases and unlawful firearm
transfers, documents and reports thefts or losses, provides employee
training regarding legal compliance, and operates a digital video
surveillance system at locations where firearms, ammunition, or firearm
accessories are sold, stored, or transferred.
The bill further provides that, for procurements where competitive
bidding is not required, the certification may be required at the
discretion of the relevant department, agency, or official. The bill
also permits the certification to be submitted electronically pursuant
to existing electronic procurement provisions under State Finance Law §
163.
The bill provides that a bid shall not be considered for award if the
bidder fails to provide the required certification or, where applicable,
a signed statement explaining the reasons the certification cannot be
made. The department, agency, or official receiving the bid may request
supporting documentation, including inspection reports, notices of
violation, or other records, where necessary to verify a certification
or signed statement submitted pursuant to the section. Corporate bids
containing the required certification are deemed authorized by the
bidder's board of directors.
Section 2 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The State has a substantial interest in ensuring that entities seeking
public contracts for firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories
comply with applicable firearm laws and maintain business practices
intended to reduce unlawful firearm trafficking and diversion.
This legislation establishes a procurement certification framework
requiring bidders seeking state contracts for firearms-related products
to affirm compliance with specified legal and operational standards
under penalty of perjury. The bill also authorizes state entities to
request supporting documentation where necessary to verify certif-
ications submitted by bidders. By incorporating these requirements into
the state procurement process, the legislation promotes responsible
business practices while utilizing an administrable certification frame-
work consistent with existing procurement procedures.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect April 1, 2027.