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S2095Senate2015-2016 SessionSame asA1259

Creates minority and women-owned business enterprise regional advocates

Sponsor Ruth Hassell-ThompsonSD-36Affects Finance
Status
In Senate Committee
Finance
Impact
Pending
Passage
Pending

Bill progress

Step 2 of 7

In committee · Finance

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Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Ruth Hassell-Thompson

Senator · Senate District 36

No co-sponsors yet.

History

  1. Referred to finance
  2. 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.

A1259Assembly

Creates minority and women-owned business enterprise regional advocates

Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Michele Titus

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

BILL NUMBER:S2095

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to creating regional minority and women-owned business enterprise advocate

Purpose or general idea of bill

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 specific 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) Statewide and 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 Women 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 others state agencies so that MWBE's can market themselves effectively and seek contract opportunities.

Allowing advocates to act as a liaison for MBE's will provide a voice and aid in resolving concerns regarding certification delays, investigating complaints, along with 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 see that that goal is met.

Prior legislative history

A5054 (2011-2012) Passed Assembly; Delivered Senate 5/30/12 A5458 (2009-2010) Referred to Rules 6/29/10 A6939 (2007-2008) Referred to Finance 3/26/08 A9839 (2005-2006) Referred to Finance 3/28/06

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

To be determined.

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.