HB4453 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB101 17873 RJF 67309 b

101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
HB4453

Introduced 2/3/2020, by Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, Jr.

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Governor's Office of Diversity Act. Creates the Chief Diversity Officer within the Office of the Governor. Provides that the Chief Diversity Officer shall be appointed by the Governor, for a term to be determined by the Governor, and shall receive a salary to be fixed by the Governor. Provides that the Chief Diversity Officer shall be the head of the Governor's Office of Diversity. Provides duties and responsibilities of the Chief Diversity Officer. Creates the Office of Diversity within the Office of the Governor. Specifies duties of the Office of Diversity. Requires each State agency under the jurisdiction of the Governor to develop a diversity plan. Provides further requirements concerning the development of diversity plans.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Governor's Office of Diversity Act.

Section 5. Chief Diversity Officer.

(a) There is hereby established a Chief Diversity Officer within the Office of the Governor. The Chief Diversity Officer shall be appointed by the Governor, for a term to be determined by the Governor, and shall receive a salary to be fixed by the Governor.

(b) The Chief Diversity Officer shall be the head of the Governor's Office of Diversity, and shall have duties and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) to advise and assist the Governor in formulating policies relating to workforce diversity and minority and women-owned business enterprises;

(2) to advise the Governor and State agencies regarding any measures necessary to ensure the use of diversity practices in State government;

(3) to serve as the Governor's liaison with organizations representing minority and women-owned business enterprises and other organizations related to diversity in the State workforce and in State contracting;

(4) to serve as the Governor's liaison for issues related to the creation of a diverse workforce and State procurement practices relating to minority and women-owned business enterprises;

(5) to review and consult regarding policies relating to minority and women-owned business enterprise contract specialists at State agencies;

(6) to perform and oversee the requirements of the Governor's Office of Diversity created under this Act; and

(7) to engage in other actions assigned to him or her by the Governor relating to diversity in hiring or promotion of the State workforce and in encouraging diversity practices in State government.

Section 10. Governor's Office of Diversity.

(a) The Office of Diversity is hereby created in the Office of the Governor to be headed by the Chief Diversity Officer. The Office of Diversity shall maintain and continue to develop on behalf of the people of the State of Illinois a policy of diversity that builds upon the strengths of diverse communities, their families, and their institutions, and expedites their journey towards representation in State government. The policy developed by the Office shall enable State government to more effectively assist diverse communities in overcoming barriers to success and shall facilitate host communities' ability to capitalize on the assets of their community.

(b) The Governor's Office of Diversity shall identify strategic partnerships with State agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor in an effort to implement best practices, policies, and procedures, and make recommendations for statewide policy and administrative changes.

Section 15. Diversity plans. Each State agency under the jurisdiction of the Governor shall develop a diversity plan that incorporates effective training and resources, ensures culturally and linguistically competent and appropriate services, and includes administrative practices that reach out to and reflect the needs of diverse communities. Each State agency under the jurisdiction of the Governor shall consult with the Governor's Office of Diversity in creating diversity plans. State agency plans should be submitted to the Governor for approval.