Bill > S06313

This bill aims to strengthen New York State's efforts to increase participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in state contracts by introducing several key provisions. The bill mandates that contracting agencies submit quarterly reports detailing their MWBE contract awards, including the number of contracts awarded to certified MWBEs, the total dollar amount of these contracts, and the number of contracts with utilization plans for MWBE participation. It requires the Division of Minority and Women's Business Development to list non-compliant agencies in their annual report and establishes more rigorous consequences for agencies that fail to file or substantially complete their required reports, including potential independent audits at the agency's expense. The legislation also expands enforcement mechanisms, creating specific violations related to fraudulent MWBE practices and mandating sanctions for entities with three or more violations within five years. Additionally, the bill encourages joint ventures and partnerships between prime contractors and MWBEs, streamlines certification processes, and provides more flexibility in performance and payment bond requirements for small businesses and MWBE contractors, particularly for contracts under $500,000. These changes are designed to create more opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses to participate in state contracting and to increase transparency and accountability in the state's MWBE program.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6313