Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Extend Piggybacking

UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027

The extension of New York's cooperative purchasing ("piggybacking") authority is great news for municipalities looking to save time and money on procurement. Keep in mind that the extension comes with an important asterisk.

Just weeks earlier, the Third Department Appellate Division issued a significant ruling in Lynch v. Maine-Endwell Central School District, making clear that piggybacking is only a legal alternative to competitive bidding for purchase contracts.

Meaning, piggybacking under GML 103(16) cannot be used for public works contracts. Importantly, this ruling does not impact a municipality's ability to “piggyback” off of county public works contracts.