SB 697

Abstract

Creates the Racial Impact Note Act. Provides that every bill which has or could have a disparate impact on racial and ethnic minorities, upon the request of any member, shall have prepared for it, before second reading in the house of introduction, a brief explanatory statement or note that shall include a reliable estimate of the anticipated impact on those racial and ethnic minorities likely to be impacted by the bill. Provides that each racial impact note must include: (i) an estimate of how the proposed legislation would impact racial and ethnic minorities; (ii) a statement of the methodologies and assumptions used in preparing the estimate; (iii) an estimate of the racial and ethnic composition of the population who may be impacted by the proposed legislation, including those persons who may be negatively impacted and those persons who may benefit from the proposed legislation; and (iv) any other matter that a responding agency considers appropriate in relation to the racial and ethnic minorities likely to be affected by the bill. Provides for the preparation of the note by specified responding agencies and other impacted State agencies. Contains other related provisions regarding requisites and contents, comments or opinions regarding the merits of the legislation, and the appearance of State officials and employees in support or opposition of the legislation. Effective immediately.