Connecticut Senate Bill SB00992

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/17
• Refer: 3/8/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Approval Of Affirmative Action Plans Submitted By Contractors To The Commission On Human Rights And Opportunities.

Impact

The bill is intended to modernize the regulations surrounding affirmative action in Connecticut, ensuring that contractors are in compliance with state requirements while also promoting the timely execution of projects. By establishing a clear timeline for approval, states can prevent delays in project initiation and execution, reflecting a positive shift for contractors who often face bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, the ability to bid on and obtain public contracts hinges on the approval of these plans, which adds a layer of urgency for contractors to ensure adherence to the law.

Summary

SB00992, titled 'An Act Concerning Approval Of Affirmative Action Plans Submitted By Contractors To The Commission On Human Rights And Opportunities,' seeks to enhance the efficiency of the approval process for affirmative action plans that contractors must submit to the State's Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The bill mandates that contractors with fifty or more employees and those engaged in significant public works projects develop affirmative action plans and submit them for approval. The executive director of the Commission is tasked with reviewing these plans and has a set period of sixty days to either approve or disapprove the submitted plans, introducing a time constraint designed to expedite the process.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB00992 will streamline bureaucratic processes and encourage compliance with affirmative action regulations, some critics may view it as insufficiently robust in ensuring that the affirmative action plans lead to actual equitable outcomes. There may be concerns regarding the adequacy of oversight and the potential for the expedited approval process to overlook critical components that ensure these plans are effective and meaningful. Further debate may emerge regarding the balance between efficiency and the depth of review necessary to uphold the principles of affirmative action in public contracting.