§ 24-50-146 — Colorado statewide equity office - legislative declaration

(1)
The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that:

(a) In order to facilitate a government that best serves the needs of
Coloradans, the state should provide centralized direction and supervision of
diversity initiatives to ensure consistency across state government;

(b) Strong relationships with the various communities in the state allows the
voices of Coloradans to be considered in the design and direction of programs that
affect their lives; and

(c) The state should foster an engaged workforce that reflects the diversity
of Colorado and provides that workforce with equitable compensation and
opportunities for development and advancement.

(2) (a) The statewide equity office, referred to in this section as the office,
is hereby established in the department of personnel to provide best practices,
resources, and guidance for state agencies in offering equitable services to the
residents of Colorado, as well as providing an accepting and diverse environment
for state employees. The office exercises its powers, duties, and functions under
the department as a type 2 entity, as defined in section 24-1-105.

(b) The office shall:

(I) Ensure that state agencies consistently apply and are compliant with
state and federal law and state executive orders related to the mission of the
office, state universal policies, and partnership agreements entered into pursuant
to section 24-50-1112;

(II) Coordinate multi-agency initiatives to ensure fully accessible buildings
for all Coloradans, regardless of language or ability;

(III) Consult with state agencies on best practices regarding equity, diversity,
and inclusion, and serve as a resource for state agencies regarding those matters,
particularly with respect to equity, diversity, and inclusion when forming programs
and delivering services;

(IV) Collect and analyze relevant statewide data to identify gaps in diversity
and develop opportunities for improvement;

(V) Collaborate with established equity resources groups as well as other
key stakeholders both inside and outside state government;

(VI) Develop, update, deploy, and maintain statewide training related to
developing and maintaining a diverse workforce; and

(VII) Standardize a program of equity, diversity, and inclusion that seeks to
support just and equitable opportunity for all Coloradans and state employees.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2022: Entire section added, (HB 22-1397), ch. 413, p. 2918, � 1, effective June 7.