Rhode Island House Bill H5930

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23

Caption

Equal Opportunity And Affirmative Action

Impact

By incorporating federal affirmative action obligations for the employment of individuals with disabilities, this bill aims to bolster the representation of disabled individuals within the state workforce. It sets a utilization goal of at least seven percent for the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities to promote greater inclusivity in state employment and contracts. Furthermore, it endorses the engagement of small disadvantaged disability-owned businesses in state procurement processes, setting a target of at least three percent participation annually.

Summary

House Bill 5930 addresses the subjects of equal opportunity and affirmative action in Rhode Island, focusing particularly on enhancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The bill amends existing laws to strengthen enforcement provisions related to affirmative action plans and prohibits discrimination in state employment practices. It seeks to ensure that businesses owned by individuals with disabilities are provided a fair chance in competing for state contracts. The establishment of a reporting mechanism for tracking the utilization of disability-owned business enterprises is pivotal to the legislation's goals.

Contention

The bill promotes the rights of individuals with disabilities and is intended to mitigate barriers they face in employment and business opportunities. However, some stakeholders may argue about the feasibility of the employment targets set forth in the bill, expressing concern over potential requirements that could impact state contractors. Additionally, there might be discussions surrounding the practical aspects of monitoring compliance and ensuring that the goals are met without overburdening state agencies or contractors.