Requires separate collection categories for Middle Eastern and North African groups in NYS.
Summary
Bill S00811 amends the executive law to require state agencies, boards, departments, and commissions in New York to collect demographic data on residents, specifically focusing on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) groups. The bill mandates the creation of separate collection categories for various MENA ethnicities, including Egyptians, Moroccans, and Palestinians, among others. This change aims to enhance the granularity of demographic data collected by the state, allowing for better representation and understanding of these communities within state reports and analyses.
Impact
The passage of this bill will significantly impact how demographic data is collected and reported by state agencies in New York. It will require agencies to implement new data collection protocols that include specific categories for MENA groups, which were previously aggregated under broader classifications. This change is expected to improve the visibility of MENA communities in state data, potentially influencing policy decisions and resource allocation.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S00811 has been largely positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support in the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Floor, where it passed with 61 votes in favor. However, the Assembly vote showed a more divided opinion, with 102 votes for and 47 against, indicating some level of contention or concern among Assembly members regarding the implications of the bill.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns raised by some Assembly members regarding the administrative burden that the new data collection requirements may impose on state agencies. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about how the data will be used and the potential for misinterpretation or misuse of demographic information. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for ensuring that MENA communities receive appropriate representation and resources.
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.
Provides that definition of minority business enterprise include persons of Middle Eastern and North African descent for State certification and assistance purposes; revises definition for school board and local government contract set-aside purposes.