Connecticut House Bill HB05323

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/10
• Refer: 2/24/10
• Report Pass: 3/26/10
• Refer: 4/6/10
• Report Pass: 4/13/10

Caption

An Act Requiring State Agency And Contractor Affirmative Action Plans To Be Submitted To The Department Of Administrative Services.

Impact

The passage of HB 05323 has significant implications for state law by enforcing rigorous requirements for affirmative action plans. It places the responsibility on state agencies to actively create effective affirmative action programs and monitor contractors to ensure compliance with these plans. In addition, failure to submit an acceptable affirmative action plan could lead to contractors being barred from bidding on future contracts, which emphasizes the importance of compliance and incentivizes contractors to uphold affirmative action principles.

Summary

House Bill 05323 is designed to mandate that state agencies and contractors submit affirmative action plans to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). The bill seeks to enhance compliance with state and federal nondiscrimination laws, thereby promoting equal employment opportunities across various state agencies. This legislative effort is geared toward ensuring that contractors aiming to secure state contracts are held accountable to standards that promote diversity and inclusion in hiring practices.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 05323 appears to be supportive among advocates for diversity and inclusion who believe that the bill will effectively promote equal opportunity in state contracting. However, there are concerns regarding potential bureaucratic burdens on contractors and agencies tasked with implementing these affirmative action plans. Critics might argue that stringent requirements might complicate the procurement process, particularly for smaller contractors who may find it challenging to meet complex compliance demands.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 05323 is the balance between ensuring compliance with affirmative action requirements and maintaining an accessible contracting process for all potential bidders. Opponents may express concerns that the enforcement mechanisms established by the bill may disproportionately affect smaller or minority-owned businesses that might struggle to navigate the additional compliance layers required by the affirmative action plan submissions. The discussions thus highlight a crucial dialogue on how to effectively integrate diversity goals while not impeding the participation of local, smaller enterprises in the bidding process.