Bill > S00648

This bill amends the state finance law to add employee-owned enterprises and worker cooperatives to the list of preferred contractors for public contracts in New York State. Specifically, the bill defines an "employee-owned enterprise" by referencing an existing definition in the public authorities law and allows these enterprises and worker cooperatives to be considered alongside other preferred contractors like nonprofit agencies for disabled persons, special employment programs for mentally ill persons, and veterans' entities when state agencies are purchasing commodities and services. The bill authorizes employee-owned enterprises and worker cooperatives to make purchases from centralized commodity contracts, subject to conditions set by the office of general services, and requires that they accept sole responsibility for any payments due to vendors. Additionally, the bill grants the state comptroller the authority to conduct audits of these enterprises and cooperatives to examine their manufacturing costs, service rendering, production efficiency, and administrative practices. The new provisions aim to provide more opportunities for employee-owned and worker-cooperative businesses in state procurement processes, potentially supporting more collaborative and equitable business models.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S648