New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08885

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Requires the definition of "minority" to include "people with disabilities" pursuant to the Human Rights law in order for such people with disabilities to be eligible for state contract set asides.

Impact

The bill's passage would align New York's executive law with an increasingly inclusive interpretation of minority status. By incorporating people with disabilities into this definition, the state hopes to improve representation and participation in government contracting. This could lead to increased economic opportunities for disabled individuals and businesses owned by or employing people with disabilities, positively impacting both employment rates and community engagement.

Summary

Bill S08885 proposes an amendment to the New York executive law to redefine what constitutes a 'minority group member' to include individuals with disabilities. This modification is intended to ensure that people with disabilities can access the same opportunities as other minority groups concerning state contract set-asides. Recognizing disability as part of minority status aims to facilitate broader inclusivity within state procurement processes, creating opportunities for a demographic that has historically faced various barriers to participation in such programs.

Contention

While the bill has been generally well-received, there may be some contention regarding how the amendment will be implemented and monitored. Concerns have been raised about whether this change will effectively translate into increased contracts awarded to disabled individuals or businesses. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the criteria and procedures necessary to determine eligibility and the potential impacts on existing minority set-aside programs, raising questions about resource allocation and prioritization within state procurement.

Companion Bills

NY A10448

Same As Requires the definition of "minority" to include "people with disabilities" pursuant to the Human Rights law in order for such people with disabilities to be eligible for state contract set asides.

Previously Filed As

NY A10448

Requires the definition of "minority" to include "people with disabilities" pursuant to the Human Rights law in order for such people with disabilities to be eligible for state contract set asides.

NY S07686

Includes Middle Eastern and North African persons in the definition of "minority group member" for purposes of participation by minority group members and women with respect to state contracts.

NY A11210

Expands the empire state apprenticeship tax credit to include additional credit for people with disabilities.

NY HB703

Public purchasing laws; revise to include set asides for businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities.

NY HB1322

Public purchasing laws; revise to include set asides for businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities.

NY A1633

Includes Jewish persons within definitions of "minority," "minority group member," and "minority business."

NY S08040

Requires the Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to provide care for certain persons with developmental disabilities who have been admitted to hospitals or psychiatric facilities on an emergency basis.

NY S08799

Requires the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual comprehensive summary of information about its activities to the office for people with developmental disabilities' website, in an accessible format.

NY H212

To promote employment for people with disabilities

NY A09572

Requires the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual comprehensive summary of information about its activities to the office for people with developmental disabilities' website, in an accessible format.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.