Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5935

Introduced
3/1/23  

Caption

House Resolution Creating A Special Affirmative Action Legislative Task Force To Develop A Plan To Increase Diversity On Projects Covered By The State Prevailing Wage Rate Law (creates A Eleven (11) Member Affirmative Action Legislative Special Task Force To Study And Provide Recommendations To Increase Diversity On Projects Covered By The State Prevailing Wage Rate Law, And Who Would Report Back To The House Of Representatives)

Impact

If enacted, this bill would create significant changes within Rhode Island's legislative framework pertaining to workforce diversity, particularly in fields affected by the prevailing wage law. The task force would gather data, conduct interviews to identify barriers faced by minorities and women in apprenticeship programs, and suggest initiatives to foster greater inclusivity. Additionally, it will assess current practices and recommend the implementation of measures such as 'Best Value Contracting' that could favor firms demonstrating commitment to diversity.

Summary

House Bill H5935 proposes the establishment of a special legislative task force with the aim to enhance diversity on projects governed by the state's prevailing wage law. The bill emphasizes the need for strategic collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Education to improve access and quality of career and technical education, particularly focusing on construction and manufacturing programs across all school districts. The task force is to be composed of various stakeholders, including representatives from community organizations and industry professionals, tasked with creating actionable recommendations to forge a more inclusive workforce.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H5935 may arise from varying opinions on the need for such government interventions. Supporters argue that the task force can help identify and dismantle systemic barriers to entry in high-demand fields, which remain disproportionately represented by non-diverse groups. Conversely, critics could voice concerns regarding the effectiveness of government-led initiatives versus market-driven approaches. The balance between providing educational support and ensuring fair competition among contractors is expected to be a focal point of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6427

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 10-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the Speaker of the House by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H5970

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H8349

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDING RHODE ISLAND GENERAL LAW § 44-3-3 (Creates a 7-member commission to study and provide recommendations for amending RI General Law §44-3-3, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2027, and would expire on March 5, 2027.)

RI H8121

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING THE IMMIGRANT IMPACT TASK FORCE (Creates an 11-member task force to track and oversee immigration enforcement and support actions in Rhode Island, and who would report back to the General Assembly House no later than January 5, 2027, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2027.)

RI S2707

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING THE IMMIGRANT IMPACT TASK FORCE (Creates an 11-member task force to track and oversee immigration enforcement and support actions in Rhode Island, and who would report back to the General Assembly House no later than January 5, 2027, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2027.)

RI H6186

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND DEFINE THE TERM "HOUSEBOAT" (Authorizes the creation of a special Task Force to study and define the term "houseboat" in consideration of existing definitions under current law.)

RI H7367

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE THE FORTY-HOUR WORKWEEK TO A THIRTY-TWO-HOUR WORKWEEK (Creates a 9-member commission to study and provide recommendations to reduce the forty-hour workweek to a thirty-two-hour workweek, and would report back to the House by March 15, 2027, and would expire on June 15, 2027.)

RI H1189

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Affirmative Action

RI H7951

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE (Creates a 17-member legislative commission to study women’s reproductive health across the life course, and would report back to the House by March 2, 2027, and would expire on May 2, 2027.)

RI H6418

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INCREASING THE USE AND BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ALTERNATIVE FUELS (Creates a 14 member commission to study and provide recommendations for viable alternative fuels, excluding solar and wind, and associated infrastructure and costs of its development, and would report back by March 10, 2026, and expire on May 10, 2026.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.