Summary of A09406

• Establishes legal recognition and contracting preferences for service-connected disabled veteran-owned business enterprises (SVOBEs) throughout New York State government and related programs.

• Defines SVOBEs as businesses at least 51% owned by service-connected disabled veterans with 40% or higher disability ratings from the VA or Department of Defense, with real and substantial ownership and independent day-to-day control.

• Integrates SVOBEs into existing minority and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) programs across state agencies, public authorities, and economic development initiatives with participation goals and certification requirements.

• Requires state contracting agencies to establish participation goals for SVOBEs in procurement, include utilization plans in bids, and provide waivers only upon good faith effort demonstrations.

• Amends numerous state laws governing economic development, finance, banking, labor, energy, environmental conservation, and public authorities to include SVOBE participation requirements alongside existing MWBE provisions.