Requires that prior to a contract with the state or other public entity being effective, a report must be filed with the comptroller disclosing financial interests

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruth Hassell-Thompson

BILL NUMBER:S3445

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to contract reports

Purpose or general idea of bill

To make the awarding of state monies more transparent.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill adds a new § 2881 to the Public Authorities Law which requires a report be made to the comp- troller prior to the awarding of a contract to any person, firm, part- nership or corporation, state authority, local authority, interstate or international authority, or any affiliate or subsidiary of them. The report shall include:

* Name of contractor. * Amount of contract. * Purpose of contract. * Name of member of legislature who sponsored the appropriation or the allocation of a portion of such appropriation. * Sworn statement by executive director or principal officer of contrac- tor of any financial interest the sponsoring member or a relative might have in the awarding of the contract.

Relative is defined as any person living in the same household or any person who is a direct descendant of the member's grandparents or the spouse of such descendant,

Justification

This bill will add transparency to the process of award- ing grants from State funds. It does not change the current rules regarding eligibility for member items or capital grants. It does require disclosure to the comptroller's office by the organization receiving the funds of whether the sponsoring member or a relative might have a financial interest in the recipient.

Fiscal implications to state and local government

None.

Legislative history

2009-2010: S.4785/A.5411

Effective date

Immediately.