CO HB1397

Establishes the Statewide Equity Office within the Department of Personnel as a Type 2 entity to provide best practices, resources, and guidance on equitable services and diverse workplaces.

Office responsibilities include ensuring state agency compliance with equity-related laws and executive orders, coordinating accessible building initiatives, consulting on diversity and inclusion practices, analyzing statewide diversity data, and developing workforce training programs.

Appropriates $1,793,072 to the Department of Personnel for 2022-23, including $1,199,622 for 9.1 FTE personal services and $593,450 for operating expenses.

Distributes reappropriated funds totaling $655,777 across five state departments (Human Services, Revenue, Regulatory Agencies, and Health Care Policy and Financing) for additional equity office staff and operations.

Designates act as necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety under safety clause provisions.