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Jenifer Rajkumar introduces New York ethics overhaul
Bills target contracts, lobbying disclosures and campaign finance to address accountability concerns in New York government.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sun, 19, Apr 2026
- 01:19 EDT
- 17
Jenifer Rajkumar / File Photo
New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has introduced a package of ethics and transparency legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of government contracting and increasing public accountability, according to a statement from her office.
The proposal focuses on practices linked to declining public trust, including “no-bid contracts, relationships between contractors and public officials, unauthorized contractors receiving public money, undisclosed lobbying pressure, and big-money influence from corporations doing business with the government.”
The legislative effort follows what the statement described as a series of “scandals and improprieties” tied to government contracting. The bills seek to expose “insider dealings” and strengthen safeguards around the use of taxpayer funds.
ALSO READ: Jenifer Rajkumar gains key endorsements for re-election
Rajkumar said she has seen the effects of corruption firsthand. “I have personally seen how corruption at the state and city levels stalls government and stands in the way of helping people,” she said. She added, “New Yorkers are sick of backroom deals, insider influence, and a government that too often serves the well-connected instead of the public.”
The package includes several measures addressing contracting practices. One bill, A10881, would limit the use of no-bid contracts by requiring competitive bidding unless the governor declares an emergency. Current law allows such contracts under “unusual circumstances,” a standard the legislation describes as too vague.
Another bill, A10461, would require New York City contractors to disclose personal or professional relationships with public officials before contracts are awarded, aiming to identify potential conflicts of interest.
A third measure, A10462, would prohibit payments to unauthorized contractors. It would require vendors and subcontractors to be vetted and approved before receiving public funds. The proposal follows a comptroller’s audit of migrant services contracts with DocGo, which found that nearly 67 percent of reimbursements in one period went to unauthorized subcontractors, while only 29 percent of vendors had undergone required review.
The package also addresses lobbying and campaign finance. Bill A9559 would require lobbyists to disclose their positions on specific legislation, including amendments and appropriations. Current law requires disclosure of clients but not their positions. The measure has support from Reinvent Albany and NYPIRG.
Another bill, A826, targets a campaign finance loophole involving city contractors. Existing law limits contributions from firms with contracts exceeding $5,000, but some contracts are recorded at nominal amounts before final costs are set. The proposal would apply contribution limits to any contract with the potential to exceed that threshold.
“I am fighting to restore trust in government, because public service must always belong to the people,” Rajkumar said.
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