Bill

S 5858

Exempts the review of certain contracts from suspension of certain laws during a state disaster emergency

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Gounardes

Exempts the review of certain contracts from state disaster emergency suspensions, preserving procurement oversight and transparency for those contracts during emergencies.

REFERRED TO PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTS

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · S 5858

Summary of Bill S 5858

Overview

Bill S 5858, titled Exempts the review of certain contracts from suspension of certain laws during a state disaster emergency, is a proposed measure introduced in the New York Legislature. The primary sponsor is Andrew Gounardes. The bill is currently in the committee stage, having been referred to the Procurement and Contracts committee on March 3, 2025. The record shows two identical referral entries on that date.

Purpose and Intent

The bill appears to seek to preserve or exclude the contract review process from general suspensions that may be enacted for state disaster emergencies. In other words, while other statutes or procedures may be suspended during a declared disaster, the bill would ensure that the review of certain contracts continues to be governed by existing review requirements.
The intended effect is to maintain oversight, transparency, or accountability in contract reviews even when extraordinary emergency measures are in place.

Key Provisions (As Indicated by Title)

Exemption from suspension: The bill would exempt the review of certain contracts from the suspension of certain laws that can accompany a state disaster emergency.
Scope: The phrase “certain contracts” suggests a defined subset of contracts would be covered, though the exact scope and criteria are not detailed in the available information.
Context: The exemption applies specifically during a state disaster emergency, indicating a temporary or situational override tied to emergencies.

Who/What Is Affected

Entities involved in the review of state contracts that fall within the bill’s defined scope.
State procurement and contracting processes, particularly those operating under emergency conditions.
Agencies and offices responsible for procurement oversight may be required to continue or impose standard review procedures for the specified contracts, even during emergencies.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: March 3, 2025.
Current status: Referred to the Procurement and Contracts committee (listed twice in the record on the same date, which may reflect an administrative duplication).
Related legislative activity includes prior-session bills S 8062 and S 5175, indicating a possible ongoing policy interest on contract review and disaster-related procurement.

Related Bills

S 8062 (prior-session)
S 5175 (prior-session)

Potential Impact and Considerations

Oversight Continuity: If enacted, the bill would help ensure contract review processes are not bypassed or delayed due to disaster-era suspensions, potentially supporting transparency and accountability in emergency procurement.
Administrative Implications: Agencies may need to maintain or restore standard review timelines and procedures for the covered contracts, even amid disaster response activities.
Fiscal Effects: Depending on the defined scope of “certain contracts,” there could be minor to moderate administrative costs to uphold review processes during emergencies.

Next Steps for Readers

Monitor the bill’s progress in the Procurement and Contracts committee for amendments, a formal bill text, and a vote.
Review the bill text (when available) to identify the exact definition of “certain contracts,” the review procedures preserved, and any sunset or transition provisions.
Compare with related bills (S 8062 and S 5175) to understand policy evolution and shared objectives across sessions.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title and the limited information provided. The full bill text will define the precise scope, definitions, and procedural requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.