HB 3131 - DIGEST

     Declares that the purpose of the commission is to establish public affirmative action policies based on economic disadvantage, develop a plan for implementing those policies, and monitor ongoing compliance with those policies.

     Directs the commission on public affirmative action policy to make recommendations for agencies and institutions on how to eradicate the "glass ceiling" phenomenon.

     Declares that:  (1) The state is prohibited from using quotas that require hiring or selecting persons in public employment, education, and contracting based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin;

     (2) no affirmative action program operated by the state may hire or select unqualified persons;

     (3) nothing in this act limits the ability of courts to correct the effects of, or to prevent, discrimination; and

     (4) nothing in this act prohibits action reasonably taken to ensure eligibility for any federal program, if ineligibility could result in a loss of federal funds to the state.

     Declares that this act constitutes an alternative to Initiative 200.  The secretary of state shall place this act on the ballot in conjunction with Initiative 200 at the next regular general election.