Includes entities that provide employment or services to formerly incarcerated persons in the preferred source exemption for purposes of state purchasing.
Impact
The potential impact of S08747 is significant as it aims to facilitate economic empowerment among formerly incarcerated individuals by supporting nonprofit agencies focused on their employment. By giving these agencies preferred source status, the bill proposes to streamline procurement processes, allowing them to compete fairly in acquiring contracts rather than being sidelined by more established entities. This amendment aligns with broader social objectives to reduce recidivism and foster community reintegration for individuals facing challenges due to their criminal records.
Summary
Bill S08747 seeks to amend the New York state finance law by expanding the definition of 'preferred source' to include entities that provide employment and services to formerly incarcerated persons. This amendment would allow such entities to procure state contracts without engaging in the usual competitive bidding processes, thereby promoting opportunities for rehabilitation and workforce reintegration. The bill emphasizes social and economic goals, intending to provide advantages in procurement for organizations that serve individuals who face barriers to employment due to their past incarceration status.
Contention
Despite its merits, S08747 does face some contention regarding the prioritization of preferred source contracts to formerly incarcerated individuals. Critics may argue that this could lead to potential challenges in quality or efficiency, as agencies may lack the experience compared to larger, established firms. Additionally, there may be concerns about how well these agencies can fulfill the fulfillment expectations of state contracts, given that this is still a relatively new initiative aimed at integrating individuals back into the workforce. These discussions will likely focus on finding a balance between opportunity provision for disadvantaged populations and maintaining standards within state procurement.
Includes entities that provide employment or services to formerly incarcerated persons in the preferred source exemption for purposes of state purchasing.
Includes entities that provide employment or services to formerly incarcerated persons in the preferred source exemption for purposes of state purchasing.
Provides that no affected state entity or public retirement system shall take any boycott-based adverse action or compile, maintain or publish any list of persons or entities for purposes of such action unless expressly authorized by the legislature.
Provides for enrollment of eligible incarcerated persons in the medical assistance for needy persons program; provides for enrollment of incarcerated individuals in other medical assistance programs, where eligible.
Expands the definition of professional misconduct to include refusing to provide professional services to a person referred for treatment by a United States Department of Veterans Affairs facility or provider because such person declines elective services during the course of treatment.
Includes special districts in veterans' real property tax exemptions provided that such special district exemption is adopted by the local governing body.
Provides for enrollment of eligible incarcerated persons in the medical assistance for needy persons program; provides for enrollment of incarcerated individuals in other medical assistance programs, where eligible.