New York Senate Bill S08248

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/27/25
• Refer: 5/27/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Report Pass: 4/29/26

Caption

Authorizes the empire state development corporation to develop a public awareness campaign promoting businesses located in New York state with an emphasis on small businesses and the need to shop in downtown local areas; requires the creation of the Buy New York Online Networking Directory to connect purchasers with businesses located in New York.

Summary

This bill authorizes the Empire State Development Corporation (ESD) to create and run a public awareness campaign promoting businesses located in New York State. The campaign is intended to encourage individuals and businesses to buy products and services from in-state businesses, with particular emphasis on supporting local small businesses and downtown commercial areas. The bill also requires ESD to establish an internet-based “Buy New York Online Networking Directory.” Businesses located and operated in New York may apply to be listed, and the directory must include contact information, products or services offered, brief descriptions, and other business details such as hours, history, and number of employees. The directory must be searchable by category and by products or services offered, and the campaign may be promoted through internet, radio, print, brochures, billboards, posters, and public ambassadors. The campaign must begin no later than January 1, 2027, and ESD must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on campaign activities and funding needs.

Impact

The bill would add a new state-run marketing and business-promotion program under the authority of the Empire State Development Corporation, but it does not directly amend tax, labor, or regulatory statutes. Its practical effect would be to create a centralized state directory and promotional platform for New York businesses, potentially increasing visibility for small businesses, downtown merchants, and other in-state sellers. It also requires annual reporting and future appropriation assessments, which could influence budget planning and agency operations.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests favorable sentiment toward the bill, with the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee approving it 8-0. The bill’s framing is broadly pro-business and pro-local commerce, and the context indicates support for efforts to encourage consumers to shop in New York and strengthen small business visibility. No opposing testimony or recorded dissent is provided in the materials.

Contention

The main policy questions likely concern the scope and cost of the campaign, including whether state resources should be used for advertising and maintaining a business directory. Another possible point of contention is implementation: how businesses are verified, how the directory is organized and kept current, and whether the program would effectively benefit small businesses and downtown areas as intended. The bill also leaves open the level of future appropriations needed, which may raise budgetary concerns among fiscal watchdogs or lawmakers focused on state spending.