Bill > S1647

This bill establishes an Office of Access and Opportunity within the executive office, which is a branch of the state government responsible for implementing laws and policies. This new office will be led by an assistant secretary appointed by the secretary with the governor's approval, and this individual must have at least five years of experience in civil rights or diversity and inclusion. The office's primary responsibilities include promoting non-discrimination and equal opportunity in all areas of executive agency operations, such as employment, purchasing, and service access, as well as reviewing and suggesting improvements to agency programs to ensure they are administered fairly and foster economic opportunity for everyone. The office will also have the authority to issue administrative guidance to support these goals and will report its progress annually to the joint committee on state administration and regulatory oversight, a legislative body that oversees state agencies.