S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
5485
2021-2022 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
February 19, 2021
___________
Introduced by M. of A. PICHARDO, TAYLOR, EPSTEIN, DE LA ROSA -- read
once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to establish the task force on social innovation, entrepreneur-
ship and enterprise, and providing for its duties and responsibil-
ities; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration
thereof
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. (a) A task force on social innovation, entrepreneurship and
enterprise is hereby established to examine, evaluate and make recommen-
dations concerning the means and methods to strengthen the capacity of
the state to (i) work cooperatively to create, scale and sustain innova-
tive social programs; (ii) work cooperatively to support emerging
socially responsible businesses, advance existing socially responsible
businesses and sustain innovative social programs; (iii) build the
capacity of not-for-profit entities and governments to pursue entrepre-
neurial ventures; (iv) provide greater opportunities for social enter-
prise ventures; and (v) attract funding to the state for the support of
such ventures.
(a-1) For purposes of this act social innovation means the process of
developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often
systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress.
(b) In addition, the task force shall have the following duties:
(i) to gather information on social innovation, entrepreneurship and
social enterprise;
(ii) to receive and consider reports and testimony from individuals,
public officials, community-based organizations, not-for-profit organ-
izations, faith-based organizations and other public and private enti-
ties relating to how social innovation and entrepreneurship may acceler-
ate progress on social issues, work across social sectors, and advance
social and economic development goals;
(iii) to identify promising strategies that have been implemented in
other communities and states to encourage cross-sector collaboration on
social issues;
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08184-01-1
A. 5485 2
(iv) to identify promising strategies to educate and train the public,
not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and businesses on entrepre-
neurial concepts as applied in the social sector;
(v) to designate a suitable organization to facilitate research and
development; and
(vi) to develop a statewide comprehensive strategic plan relating
thereto.
§ 2. (a) The task force shall be composed of 11 members, as follows:
(i) the commissioner of temporary and disability assistance, or his or
her designee, who shall be the chair of the task force;
(ii) the commissioner of children and family services, or his or her
designee; and
(iii) three members appointed by the governor, three members appointed
by the senate majority leader, and three members appointed by the speak-
er of the assembly, who shall be broadly representative of the diversity
of the state, and shall include the following:
(A) two persons who are officers of not-for-profit corporations that
operate at least one social enterprise;
(B) one representative of a statewide or regional not-for-profit
management support organization;
(C) one representative of a university which has an established record
in promoting social entrepreneurship or tracking the economic impact of
social sector issues;
(D) two representatives of private sector businesses that have a
strong commitment to their communities and have a record of supporting
social entrepreneurship;
(E) one representative of a charitable organization with an estab-
lished record of funding social entrepreneurs; and
(F) two persons having such experience and expertise as would be valu-
able to the task force.
(b) The task force shall convene at such times and places as the chair
shall determine. Vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be
filled in the manner provided for the original appointment of such
member.
§ 3. The task force may meet within and without the state, shall hold
public hearings and shall have all the powers of a legislative committee
pursuant to the legislative law.
§ 4. The members of the task force shall receive no compensation for
their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to this act.
§ 5. To the maximum extent feasible, the task force shall be entitled
to request and receive, and shall utilize such facilities, resources and
data of any court, department, division, board, bureau, commission or
agency of the state or any political subdivision thereof as it may
reasonably request.
§ 6. The provisions of articles 6 and 7 of the public officers law
shall apply to all records, meetings and proceedings of the task force.
§ 7. The task force shall make reports to the governor, the legisla-
ture and the public, within 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after the
effective date of this act, of its findings, conclusions and recommenda-
tions, and shall submit with its reports such legislative and regulatory
proposals as it deems necessary to implement its recommendations.
§ 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be
deemed repealed 2 years after such date.