Requires the workers' compensation board and the department of labor to publish lists of debarred entities as open data; directs the office of general services to maintain and publish such lists on their website.
Impact
The introduction of this bill is expected to have significant implications for state laws related to labor and public works contracts. By formalizing a process for the identification and disclosure of those who are non-responsible or ineligible, it establishes a system meant to deter potential wrongdoing among contractors. Stakeholders believe that access to this information will enhance competition among contractors, as entities will be able to make more informed decisions about whom to engage for public projects.
Summary
Bill A11209 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in public contracting by mandating the publication of lists of debarred entities, including contractors, vendors, and grantees, by the Workers' Compensation Board and the Department of Labor. This legislation amends existing workers' compensation and labor laws to require the maintenance and public availability of these lists in a machine-readable format. By establishing this requirement, the bill seeks to streamline access to information about those deemed ineligible to participate in public contracts due to past violations, helping to protect public funds and improve compliance with labor standards.
Contention
While proponents highlight the benefits of enhanced transparency and protection of public resources, the bill has also faced scrutiny regarding its potential consequences on smaller contractors who may be disproportionately affected by strict debarment measures. Critics argue that the definitions of 'non-responsibility' could lead to unfair penalization of entities that may have had minor infractions or administrative errors, potentially limiting their ability to secure future contracts. Thus, there are concerns about the balance between enforcing compliance and ensuring fair access to opportunities for all contractors.
Same As
Requires the workers' compensation board and the department of labor to publish lists of debarred entities as open data; directs the office of general services to maintain and publish such lists on their website.
Requires the workers' compensation board and the department of labor to publish lists of debarred entities as open data; directs the office of general services to maintain and publish such lists on their website.
Requires the department of labor create and maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in the state of New York and provide such list to the department of veterans' services; requires such list to be placed on the department of veterans' services website.
Requires the department of labor create and maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in the state of New York and provide such list to the department of veterans' services; requires such list to be placed on the department of veterans' services website.
Requires the office of victim services to publicize programs offered by the office and to include certain information in annual reports to the governor and the legislature and to make such reports public on the office's website.
Requires the office of victim services to publicize programs offered by the office and to include certain information in annual reports to the governor and the legislature and to make such reports public on the office's website.
Directs the department of labor to post on its internet website and annually update the names of employers who employ 50 or more employees who receive public assistance.
Requires local boards and the division of housing and community renewal to submit certain residential housing and zoning information to the department of state annually; requires such information to be published by the department of state on its website.
Establishes a fraud assessment commission; directs the chair of the workers' compensation board, in consultation with the workers' compensation fraud inspector general and the fraud assessment commission, to establish an assessment for workers' compensation fraud investigations to fund the investigation and prosecution of workers' compensation fraud, willful failure to secure payment of workers' compensation, and failure to keep true and accurate records; establishes the workers' compensation fraud investigation fund in the joint custody of the chair of the workers' compensation board, the commissioner of labor, and the comptroller, which shall consist of monies received from the imposition of the assessment for workers' compensation fraud investigations.