APPROVAL “at Decenber 21, 2015 CHAPTER #5(0 MEMORANDUM filed with Assembly Bill 6902-B, entitled: “AN ACT to amend the state finance law, in relation to requiring state agencies to pay stnall businesses within fifteen days of receipt of an invoice” APPROVED This bill would amend the State Finance Law to require that State agencies pay small businesses within 15 calendar days of receipt of an invoice for payment. Small businesses provide many valuable services to the State, and should be paid promptly for services rendered. As drafted, however, the bill has technical flaws that must be corrected to ensure there are no barriers to successful implementation and reimbursement. The Legislature has agreed to enact legislation that would address these concerns. On that basis, Iam signing this bill. In preparation for the implementation of this bill, I am also directing the Office of General Services, in consultation with the Statewide Financial System (SFS) and Business Services Center, to conduct training and outreach to small businesses regarding SFS and electronic billing. This bill is approved.