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History
- Referred to finance
- Committed to rules
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.534
- Referred to finance
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Creates minority and women-owned business enterprise regional advocates
In Senate Committee · Rules · Sponsor Michele Titus
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to creating regional minority and women-owned business enterprise advocate
Purpose
The purpose of this legislation is to aid in the assistance of obtaining technical, managerial, financial and other business assistance for certified businesses and applicants.
Summary of provisions
Amends the Executive Law to provide for definitions; adds new sections 311-a & b to establish within the Empire State Development Corporation an Office of Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Regional Advocate; establishes for powers and duties to include investigating complaints concerning certification delays and toll-free telephone service.
Amends the Economic Development Law to set forth reporting requirements and advise the Commissioner on recommendations for the selection of Statewide Advocate for Minority and Business Enterprises as set forth by section 311-a of the Executive Law.
Justification
Since 2002, the Assembly has held hearings across the State in order to review the effectiveness of the State's Laws (Article 15-A of the Executive Law) and to obtain feedback from MWBE owners. Hearings were held in Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Albany and New York City.
One notable theme echoed at all the hearings was the difficulty in obtaining technical, managerial, financial and educational support. Other difficulties were improving and updating the existing database to include links to other state agencies so that MWBE's can market themselves effectively and seek contract opportunities.
Allowing advocates to act as a liaison for MWBE's will provide a voice and aid in resolving concerns regarding certification delays, investigating complaints, as well as assisting in the certification process. Advocates will also play an important role in developing educational outreach programs and creating awareness of competitive grant programs.
It is essential for MWBE's to be able to get assistance from the state to move them into a competitive position with non-minority and women owned business enterprises. This legislation provides a vehicle to assure that goal is met
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Prior legislative history
EFFECTIVE DATE : 180 days following enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.