2024 -- H 8178

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

     Introduced By: Representatives Speakman, Henries, Kazarian, Donovan, Spears, Cotter,
Carson, Kislak, Boylan, and Alzate

     Date Introduced: April 12, 2024

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 28-5.1-3.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-5.1 entitled "Equal

Opportunity and Affirmative Action" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     28-5.1-3.1. Appointments to state boards, commissions, public authorities, and quasi-

public corporations.

     (a) The general assembly finds that, as a matter of public policy, the effectiveness of each

appointed state board, commission, and the governing body of each public authority and quasi-

public corporation is enhanced when it reflects the diversity, including the racial and gender

composition, of Rhode Island’s population. Consequently, each person responsible for appointing

one or more individuals to serve on any board or commission or to the governing body of any public

authority or board shall endeavor to ensure that, to the fullest extent possible, the composition of

the board, commission, or governing body reflects the diversity of Rhode Island’s population.

     (b) During the month of January in By January 31 of each year the boards, agencies,

commissions, or authorities are requested to shall file with the state equal opportunity office a list

of its their members, designating their race, gender identity, and date of appointment.

     (c) Of the candidates considered for appointment by the governor and the general assembly,

the governor and the general assembly shall give due consideration to recommendations made by

representatives of Rhode Island’s minority community-based organizations Black, Latino,

American and Pacific Islander and Indigenous organizations. The human resources outreach and

diversity office shall act as the liaison with state government and shall forward the

recommendations to appointing authorities.

     (d) The appointing authority, in consultation with the equal employment opportunity

administrator and the human resources outreach and diversity administrator within the department

of administration, shall annually conduct a utilization analysis of appointments to state boards,

commissions, public authorities, and quasi-public corporations based upon the annual review

conducted pursuant to § 28-5.1-3.

     (e) The equal employment opportunity administrator shall report the results of the analysis

to the Rhode Island commission for human rights and to the general assembly by or on January 31

and July 31 of each year, consistent with § 28-5.1-17. The report shall be a public record and shall

be made available electronically on the secretary of state’s website.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

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     This act would redefine the groups included in "minority community-based organizations"

for purposes of them making recommendations for appointments to state boards, commissions,

public authorities, and quasi-public corporations.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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