Bill > A00359

This bill seeks to improve opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) in state contracts by prohibiting unnecessary and unjustified bundling of contract requirements that would prevent these businesses from participating as prime contractors. Specifically, the bill amends two sections of New York state law (the Executive Law and the State Finance Law) to require state agencies to avoid contract bundling that has no legitimate reason or need. The bill defines "unnecessary and unjustified" as contract requirements that are not required, not needed, and have no legitimate reason for being structured in a way that excludes smaller businesses. Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions related to MWBEs by removing language about considering the severability of construction projects and instead focusing on implementing programs that evaluate contract goals for minority- and women-owned business participation. The changes are designed to increase opportunities for MWBEs by ensuring that state contracts are structured in a way that allows these businesses to compete more effectively for prime contractor roles, addressing historical disparities in business opportunities.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A359