Louisiana House Bill HCR174

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/12
• Engrossed: 5/23/12
• Passed: 5/24/12

Caption

Requests that certain state agencies study and submit a report on the number of women in the workforce based on age, race, and job category

Impact

The implementation of HCR174 is anticipated to have a significant impact on state laws regarding employment equity. By aiming to gather data on the representation of women and minorities, this resolution seeks to strengthen the framework for ensuring that state agencies adhere to non-discriminatory practices in their hiring and promotion processes. The resolution is also aligned with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which mandates equal employment opportunity and could lead to the development of policies aimed at improving diversity within state roles if systematic inequities are identified.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 174 (HCR174) urges various state agencies in Louisiana to conduct a comprehensive study focusing on the number of women in their workforces categorized by age, race, and job classification. The resolution calls for a detailed report that not only highlights the statistics of women employed in different levels of state government but also examines the equity of hiring and promotion practices within these departments. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring and supporting equal employment opportunities for women and minorities in state employment, aligning with broader civil rights measures.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HCR174 is generally positive, particularly among advocates for gender and racial equality in the workplace. Supporters view this resolution as a vital step towards enhancing diversity and ensuring that state employment reflects the demographics of Louisiana's population. However, discussions may surface regarding the adequacy of existing measures and whether further actions or reforms will be necessary based on the findings of the proposed study.

Contention

While HCR174 aims to foster inclusivity, there may be some contention regarding the execution of the study and the interpretation of its findings. Critics may argue about the complexities of gathering accurate data and how it should inform policy changes within state agencies. Further, the resolution requires compliance from multiple state agencies, which could lead to discrepancies in reporting practices and interpretations of 'equitable' hiring and promotion efforts, depending on the agency's current organizational culture and commitment to diversity initiatives.