NY A02349

Requires the state and state agencies to grant preference in contracts for commodities, services, or construction to contractors that provide employees with employer-sponsored health coverage meeting specified standards.

Defines eligible employer-sponsored health coverage as plans meeting minimum standards including availability to all eligible employees regardless of age, sex, health status, or occupation; benefits equivalent to state employee coverage under Civil Service Law Article Eleven; and employee cost-sharing no more than typical employer plans.

For competitive contracts, allows the Commissioner to award to a contractor within 15 percent of the lowest bid if that contractor provides health coverage and the lowest bidder does not.

For non-competitive contracts exceeding specified thresholds, prohibits awarding to contractors without health coverage unless the contracting entity determines comparable quality goods or services are unavailable at comparable prices.

Excludes contracts with governmental and non-profit organizations, emergency procurements, and bond-related financial instruments from the preference requirement, with limited exceptions for financial or legal advisory services.