New York State Legislators Approve Ethical Purchasing Bills
Governor Pataki signs bill into law

Senators passed S.7791-A on July 2, 2002. Click here to locate the Senate news release announcing passage.

New York Assembly members passed A.11831-A unanimously on June 26, 2002. Click here for the Assembly announcement.

Without ceremony, Governor Pataki signed the bill into law on August 8, 2002.

What will the legislation do?

It provides that the 83 publicly supported campuses [State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY) and community colleges] can choose to make responsible purchases. If college policy requests and requires it, manufacturers must provide information about worker compensation, working conditions, the right to form a union and the presence of child labor. This provision is similar to the "informed choice" law enacted in September 2001 affecting apparel purchasing by K-12 public schools in New York state.

In addition, the bill prohibits the state Office of General Services (OGS) from purchasing uniforms and other apparel made in sweatshops. This provision is similar to a law enacted in March 2001 by New York City concerning its apparel purchases.

It requires that OGS first consider making purchases from responsible bidders who have been adversely affected by the tragedy of September 11. These are businesses with a previous track record of responsible business practices (including but not limited to wages and working conditions). The bill also requires the New York Department of Labor to provide a registry of those responsible bidders.

It requires the Labor Commissioner to present annual reports concerning the Special Task Force on the Apprael Industry.

For additional background information about the legislation and the Sweatfree Schools Campaign, click here.

The Sweatfree Schools Campaign is a project of the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition. For more information, contact us at 518/ 213-6000, x 6294. info@labor-religion.org www.labor-religion.org