Bill > H3398

This bill aims to promote diversity on public boards and commissions in Massachusetts by establishing specific representation goals and reporting requirements. The bill defines "diverse" individuals as those who self-identify as female, from an underrepresented minority group, or as part of the LGBTQ+ community. It requires appointive boards and commissions to strive for at least 50% female representation and 30% representation from underrepresented minority or LGBTQ+ groups. The percentages will be periodically adjusted based on the most recent U.S. Census Data to reflect the state's demographic composition. Appointing authorities must make focused efforts to attract and recruit diverse members, including developing recruitment plans and working with community organizations. Each board and commission must annually report on their membership demographics, including the total number of members and the breakdown by diverse categories. The governor's office will publish an annual report tracking these demographics, and if a board does not meet the diversity goals, the appointing authority must explain why and describe efforts to increase diverse representation. The bill ensures individual privacy by only reporting aggregated statistical data. The overall goal is to create more inclusive and representative public boards that better reflect the diversity of Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3398