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NY A01156

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/9/2025

Primary Sponsor

Angelo Santabarbara

Click for details

Origin

Assembly

2025-2026 General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Establishes a goal that 5% of state contracts be awarded to "qualified business enterprises" defined as businesses where at least 15% of employees are individuals with disabilities
  • Creates an Office of Statewide Advocate for Individuals with Disabilities within the Department of Economic Development to assist certified businesses with technical, managerial, and financial support and investigate complaints
  • Requires the Commissioner of Economic Development to conduct and publish a statewide disparity study by February 15, 2026, analyzing participation of disability-employing businesses in state contracts
  • Establishes a statewide certification program with 3-year certifications, including application review timelines of 30 days for status updates and 60 days for final determinations, with hearing rights for denied applicants
  • Implements enforcement mechanisms including penalties of up to 1 year of bid ineligibility for first violations and up to 5 years for subsequent violations within 5 years, with a public website listing ineligible contractors

Legislative Description

Relates to obligations with respect to contracts with business enterprises which employ individuals with disabilities; defines qualified business enterprise as any business concern which employs a workforce consisting of at least fifteen percent employees with disabilities and has been certified under this section; sets goal of five percent of state contracts going to qualified business enterprises; establishes an office of statewide advocate, certification process, and enforcement mechanism.

Last Action

referred to governmental operations

1/7/2026

Committee Referrals

Governmental Operations1/9/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available