Bill > S03257

This bill expands the preferred source exemption in New York state purchasing laws to include entities that provide employment or services to formerly incarcerated persons, alongside existing provisions for agencies serving disabled persons, blind individuals, veterans, and those with mental illnesses. The bill modifies the state finance law to ensure that when state agencies are procuring commodities or services, they must first consider purchasing from these qualified nonprofit agencies, with a priority order that now explicitly includes organizations supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. These preferred source agencies are exempted from standard competitive procurement requirements and must perform at least 50% of the work themselves. The bill also establishes guidelines for pricing these goods and services, stipulating that prices should be as close to market rates as possible, but no more than 15% above prevailing market prices. Additionally, the bill provides for oversight mechanisms, including potential audits by the state comptroller to ensure efficiency and proper cost accounting. The changes aim to create more employment opportunities and economic support for formerly incarcerated individuals by integrating their service providers into the state's existing preferred source procurement system.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3257