Raised Bill No. 433 is a legislative proposal aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within various state government departments, as recommended by the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health. The bill, effective October 1, 2024, requires the establishment of a DEI Division in departments such as Administrative Services, Public Health, Education, and Transportation, each led by a director responsible for coordinating equity initiatives and developing an annual equity action plan. The plan should outline DEI goals, accountability measures, and strategies for engaging underserved communities. The bill also mandates the collection and analysis of demographic data for job applicants, the use of diverse hiring panels, and annual reporting on hiring trends to identify and address potential barriers.

Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language to current law, with no deletions, to support these objectives. It requires the creation of standardized DEI training programs for all new employees, with priority given to supervisory staff, and annual training for all employees. The bill also stipulates that state contract bidders must report workforce diversity and demonstrate a commitment to equity. The bill amends existing sections 4-217(c), 4b-57(a), and 4b-91(d) of the law, and adds new sections (Sections 1 through 8), all effective on October 1, 2024, to ensure the integration of DEI practices into state government operations and contracting processes.