Bill > S07203

This bill enacts the Tropical Rainforest Economic & Environmental Sustainability Act, which aims to prevent tropical deforestation and forest degradation through state procurement policies. The legislation requires state contractors to certify that their products do not contain commodities sourced from land where tropical deforestation occurred after January 1, 2023. Large contractors must also adopt a tropical forest policy that includes procedures for mitigating deforestation risks and respecting indigenous peoples' rights. The bill establishes specific definitions for tropical forests, forest-risk commodities, and supply chain requirements, with provisions for investigating and penalizing non-compliance. Additionally, the bill creates a Supply Chain Transparency Assistance Program to help small, medium-sized, and minority- and women-owned businesses develop more sustainable and ethical supply chains by providing technical assistance, identifying funding resources, and helping businesses market their improvements. The law will apply to contracts valued at $1 million or more, or involving contractors with annual revenues of $10 million or more, starting January 1, 2028, with the goal of reducing New York state's indirect contribution to global tropical deforestation.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7203