Bill > A01306

This bill directs the New York State Department of Civil Service to conduct a comprehensive study on competitive examinations for public employment to assess potential discriminatory effects on minority job applicants. The study will examine various aspects of these examinations, including the total number of minority and non-minority test-takers, comparative exam results, agency-by-agency hiring percentages of minority employees, and potential discriminatory elements in exam questions and administration. Specific areas of investigation include examining exam content, accessibility of examination locations and preparation materials, timing of exams, and technological barriers that might disproportionately impact minority candidates. The department is authorized to request relevant information from other agencies, with strict confidentiality protections. Within one year of the act's effective date, the department must submit a report of its findings to key state leadership, including the governor and legislative leaders, ensuring that the report does not contain personally identifiable information. The bill is temporary, taking effect immediately and expiring two years after its enactment, with the goal of identifying and addressing potential systemic inequities in public employment examination processes.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1306