Bill > A00518

This bill requires New York state agencies to use separate collection categories when gathering demographic data about ancestry or ethnic origin, specifically for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) groups. The bill mandates that agencies create distinct categories for North African groups (including Egyptians, Moroccans, Algerians, Sudanese, Tunisians, and Libyans) and Middle Eastern groups (including Yemenis, Iranians, Palestinians, Iraqis, Lebanese, Israelis, Jordanians, Syrians, Armenians, and Saudis), as well as a category for other MENA groups. Agencies must allow multiple categories to be selected and include this detailed demographic data in their reports, with the new requirements taking effect on January 1, 2027. If an agency cannot fully comply by the deadline, they must publicly post a detailed progress report explaining their challenges and efforts to meet the requirements, updating it every six months. The data will be made publicly available online, with personal identifying information kept confidential. This bill aims to provide more precise and comprehensive demographic tracking for MENA populations in New York state, potentially helping to better understand and serve these communities.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A518