SB 221 DIVERSITY ACT

Sen Shannon Pinto

Actions: [4] SCC/SHPAC/SFC-SCC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 221 (SB 221):  This Legislative bill, known as the "Diversity Act," is introduced to address issues related to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion within the state's workforce.  

 Senate Bill 221 (SB 221):  Section 1 - Short Title: The bill may be cited as the "Diversity Act."

Section 2 - Definitions: Defines various terms related to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion, including accessibility, diversity, equality, equity, gender identity, inclusion, institutional racism, and others.

Section 3 - Chief Diversity Officer - Created - Duties: Establishes the position of "chief diversity officer" within the state personnel office. 
•	The chief diversity officer is responsible for leading initiatives to promote diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in state agencies. 
•	The officer will collaborate with other state agencies, assess needs, recommend training initiatives, ensure compliance with laws, and perform additional duties as prescribed by the director.

Section 4 - Diversity and Inclusion Liaisons - Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Council - Created - Duties:
•	Requires each state agency to designate a diversity and inclusion liaison who will collaborate with the chief diversity officer. 
•	A "workforce diversity and inclusion council" will be formed, consisting of liaisons from each state agency. 
•	The council will assist in implementing recommendations and conducting regular evaluations.

Section 5 - Annual Report - Report Contents - Publication and Dissemination of Report:
•	Mandates state agencies to submit an annual report on diversity, equity, and inclusion activities, including demographic data, compliance assessments, anti-institutional racism policies, hiring and promotion processes, and more. 
•	The chief diversity officer compiles this data into an annual report, which is submitted to various entities and published on the state personnel office's website.

Section 6 - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plans: Requires the head of each state agency to develop and maintain a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan in coordination with the chief diversity officer and the diversity and inclusion liaison. 
•	The plan should integrate goals into the agency's mission, operations, and infrastructure.

Section 7 - Appropriation: Appropriates $250,000 from the general fund to the state personnel office for the fiscal year 2025 to implement the Diversity Act.

Section 8 - The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2024.