New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03973

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
1/31/25  

Caption

Relates to project labor agreement feasibility studies and apprenticeship agreements; provides the study shall look to see if there will be a negative impact on opportunities for minority, women or service-disabled veteran owned businesses; provides such feasibility studies shall be provided to the public for review and comment.

Summary

Bill S03973 amends the labor law to require feasibility studies for project labor agreements (PLAs) before they can be authorized. These studies must evaluate the potential impact of PLAs on competition and opportunities for minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprises. The findings of these studies must be made public for review and comment prior to any contract bidding. Additionally, the bill mandates that governmental entities require contractors and subcontractors to have registered apprenticeship agreements before entering into construction contracts, with a focus on ensuring fair opportunities for diverse business enterprises.

Impact

The bill will significantly alter the process for implementing project labor agreements and apprenticeship requirements in New York. By mandating feasibility studies and public disclosure, it aims to enhance transparency and accountability in government contracting. This could lead to increased opportunities for minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, as the studies must assess the potential negative impacts on these groups. Furthermore, it establishes a framework for apprenticeship agreements that may influence workforce development and training in the construction industry.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S03973 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with support for its goals of increasing transparency and promoting diversity in contracting. However, there are concerns regarding the potential administrative burden that the feasibility studies may impose on governmental entities and contractors. Discussions have highlighted the importance of balancing the need for thorough evaluations with the efficiency of the contracting process.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential administrative burden on governmental entities to conduct feasibility studies and the implications for project timelines and costs. Some stakeholders argue that the requirement for public review may slow down the contracting process, while proponents emphasize the necessity of ensuring equitable opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. The debate reflects broader discussions on how to best achieve diversity and fairness in public contracting.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S00752

Relates to project labor agreement feasibility studies and apprenticeship agreements; provides the study shall look to see if there will be a negative impact on opportunities for minority, women or service-disabled veteran owned businesses; provides such feasibility studies shall be provided to the public for review and comment.

NY S00737

Relates to providing net revenues from utility-owned large-scale renewable generation projects to low-income customers; authorizes utility companies to own such projects; provides that the commission shall require labor agreements and labor peace agreements.

NY S01153

Establishes a returning veterans tax credit for businesses that hire veterans and disabled veterans; provides that such tax credit is worth $3,000 per veteran hired or $4,000 for every disabled veteran hired and the total benefit shall not exceed $15,000 annually.

NY A02817

Establishes a returning veterans tax credit for businesses that hire veterans and disabled veterans; provides that such tax credit is worth $3,000 per veteran hired or $4,000 for every disabled veteran hired and the total benefit shall not exceed $15,000 annually.

NY S02547

Establishes the New York first--shop local program to provide immediate assistance to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak; defines terms; provides that such program shall identify eligible applicants and projects that promote local products and services by providing marketing and business assistance services; makes related provisions.

NY A01447

Directs the empire state development corporation to conduct a study on the feasibility of a minority and women-owned business enterprise capacity mentorship program.

NY S02285

Directs the empire state development corporation to conduct a study on the feasibility of a minority and women-owned business enterprise capacity mentorship program.

NY A03156

Relates to requiring the use of project labor agreements for large scale construction projects under the state university construction fund; provides exceptions to such requirement; provides that the fund may require every contractor become party to a project labor agreement.

NY S03323

Relates to prohibiting transportation network companies from including mandatory arbitration clauses in user agreements for certain offenses including assault and sex offenses; provides all user agreements issued with such clause shall be considered null and void and new agreements without such clause shall be issued within 14 days of the effective date of this legislation.

NY S03241

Relates to mercantile establishments and the defense of lawful detention; sets requirements that the release from detention shall not be conditioned on signing of any documents or agreements; provides if anything is signed a copy must be provided to the individual or their parent or guardian.

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