Enacts the "New York state healthy and green procurement act".
Impact
If enacted, the bill will require state agencies to adopt a procurement policy that facilitates the transition towards greener practices. This will involve reviewing existing procurement regulations and modifying them as necessary. Agencies will be tasked with identifying target categories of commodities and services that may adversely impact environmental health and substituting them with healthier alternatives. The implementation of training and outreach programs for procurement staff will be ensured to facilitate adherence to the new standards.
Summary
Bill A09313, known as the New York State Healthy and Green Procurement Act, aims to reform state procurement practices to focus on environmental and public health sustainability. The legislation emphasizes the use of eco-friendly commodities, services, and technologies by state agencies, promoting items that minimize adverse impacts compared to conventional options. The act establishes criteria for what constitutes 'healthy and green' procurement, prioritizing products that protect public health and preserve natural resources.
Contention
There may be contention regarding the operational impact on state agencies, as the bill introduces additional evaluation and purchasing criteria which could complicate existing processes. Some stakeholders may argue about cost implications and the feasibility of sourcing compliant products and services. The requirement to shift procurement policies might meet resistance from agencies accustomed to traditional procurement methods, raising questions about how these new protocols will balance cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility.
Establishes state procurement goals for New York state products throughout state agencies and private entities performing state contracts; provides that every year after enactment, a certain percentage of products purchased by state agencies will be New York state products, with such percentage threshold increasing each year up until five years.
Enacts the New York state food security purchase and processing act to establish a state-level program that purchases food grown or raised by New York farmers; requires processing within New York State; distributes such food to communities in need.
Enacts the New York state food security purchase and processing act to establish a state-level program that purchases food grown or raised by New York farmers; requires processing within New York State; distributes such food to communities in need.
Enacts the "New York saves lives act" to authorize any New York state resident aged sixteen and older to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor through the New York state donate life registry; adds a New York state donate life registry option on admission applications to the state university of New York and the city university of New York.