State contracts that are awarded during a state of emergency aren't subject to review by the state's chief financial officer. 

But a measure heading to Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk could change how the public can see the spending for themselves. 

State lawmakers in the final days of the legislative session approved a measure that would require a state entity to publicly post contracts that are not subject to the review of Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office. That includes spending under contracts approved during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

DiNapoli had backed the legislation, which was sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. On Tuesday, DiNapoli urged Hochul to sign it. 

“The COVID crisis taught us many valuable lessons, including the need for greater visibility of those contracts that are executed without the independent review of my office," he said. 

Meanwhile, DiNapoli has also called for legislation that would require state agencies and public authorities to provide bidders with the ability to protest a contract award at the agency level. The measure was given the green light in the state Senate, but is yet to pass in the Assembly.