Gov. Kathy Hochul is weighing a bill that would mandate New York state agencies to disclose information on contracts awarded without oversight from the comptroller’s office. The legislation, supported by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, aims to boost transparency for contracts exempt from review, particularly during emergencies.
The bill requires agencies to post details such as contract terms, dollar amounts, and vendor names online within 30 days. For emergency contracts, an explanation of their relevance to the crisis would also be needed. Hochul vetoed a similar bill in 2023, citing agency burdens, but the current version was simplified to ease implementation.
Advocates like Reinvent Albany stress the need for public accountability when spending taxpayer dollars. Hochul has until Dec. 13 to decide whether to sign or veto the measure.
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