Signed by Governor Phil Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the commissioner of corrections to make a plan that addresses racism and diversity inclusion.

Highlights:

• Requires the Executive Director of Racial Equity to do all of the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Oversee a comprehensive organizational review to identify systematic racism in each of the 3 branches of state government and inventory systems in place that engenders racial disparities;

• Manage and oversee the statewide collection of race-based data to determine the nature and scope of racial discrimination within all systems of state government; and

• Develop a fairness and diversity policy and review and make recommendations regarding the fairness and diversity policies held by all state government systems.

• Specifies that it is the intent of the General Assembly to address systematic racism and bias to achieve racial and social equity for employees of the Department of Corrections and individuals under the custody of the Commissioner, and to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and high-quality workforce within the Department (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Commissioner of Corrections to submit to the Executive Director of Racial Equity a strategy and long-term plan to address systematic racism and bias and to promote diversity and inclusion in the Department of Corrections by December 31, 2020 (Sec. 1).

• Requires the scope of the aforementioned plan to address the Department’s employment practices and supervision of individuals under the custody of the Commissioner both in state facilities and the community, and requires that the plan includes a timeline and process for the following (Sec. 1):

• Evaluating Department hiring practices, training, supervision, professional development, and competency standards to inform the basis of performance evaluation and promotion of employees;

• Identifying the resources and funding needed to complete the plan, including upgraded technology, consultant support, and requires data; and

• Identifying a list of stakeholders and a process for how the Department will engage with their employees.

• Specifies that this act shall take effect upon its passage (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text