BILL NUMBER: S9369
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to authorizing state
agencies to reserve or set aside certain procurements for businesses
owned by women and minorities
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation authorizes state agencies to reserve or set aside
certain procurements for businesses owned by women and minorities. It is
intended to promote equity in state contracting and ensure that quali-
fied businesses from historically underrepresented groups have meaning-
ful access to procurement opportunities.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The bill amends Subdivision 4 of Section 163 of the State Finance Law by
adding a new paragraph h. Under the amendment, a state agency may
provide for the reservation or set aside of certain procurements for
business enterprises defined in Subdivisions Seven, Fifteen, and Twenty
of Section Three Hundred Ten of the Executive Law. Such procurements
remain subject to the priority of preferred sources under this section
and Section One Hundred Sixty Two of this article. They also require
the approval of the Comptroller of the State of New York pursuant to
Section One Hundred Twelve of this chapter and Section Twenty Eight
Hundred Seventy Nine a of the Public Authorities Law. Additionally, the
procurements are subject to procurement record requirements pursuant to
Paragraph g of Subdivision Nine of this section. The amendments do not
affect the scheduled repeal of Section 163 and are deemed repealed with
the section.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This measure strengthens opportunities for women and minority owned
businesses to participate in state procurement. It provides a structured
and legally compliant method for agencies to promote equity and inclu-
sion in contracting while preserving accountability, oversight, and
transparency. The legislation aligns with state goals for economic fair-
ness and supports the growth of diverse business enterprises across New
York.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately, provided however that the amend-
ments to Section 163 shall not affect the scheduled repeal of such
section and shall be deemed repealed therewith.

Statutes affected:
S9369: 163 state finance law, 163(4) state finance law