Assembly approves bill amending State Finance Law; member cites need for greater transparency on emergency contracts

The New York State Assembly on March 18, 2025 approved Assembly bill 6707, “an act to amend the State Finance Law,” a measure supporters said would increase transparency for contracts awarded during state emergencies.

Assemblymember Gandolfo, explaining his affirmative vote, said the bill responds to concerns about no‑bid emergency contracts and cited a recent example from the COVID state of emergency. “I am very, happy to vote yes on this bill that's on the floor right now because I do believe we need more transparency and sunshine on contracts that are awarded during state of emergencies,” Gandolfo said. He described a past no‑bid purchase of COVID tests for “$637,000,000,” said New York paid nearly double the market rate compared with another state, and alleged the vendor’s CEO was a “major contributor to the governor's reelection campaign.” Those assertions were made by Gandolfo on the floor as part of his explanation of vote and are attributed to him.

The clerk read that the measure “will go into effect on the thirtieth day.” The Assembly recorded the vote: ayes 143, noes 0. The presiding officer announced the bill passed.

The text read on the floor described the item only as an amendment to the State Finance Law; the transcript did not include the bill’s full text or the specific statutory sections changed. The only on‑record floor explanation in the transcript was Assemblymember Gandolfo’s remarks urging increased scrutiny of emergency no‑bid contracts and citing the example he described.

The measure now moves on for any required enrollment and transmission steps before it takes effect as read on the floor.