CT SB00857

Contractors with 50 or more employees awarded public works, municipal public works, or quasi-public agency contracts exceeding $50,000 must develop and file affirmative action plans with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

The executive director or designee must review and formally approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove affirmative action plans within 120 days of submission; plans are deemed approved or deficient without consequence if no action is taken within this period.

Approved plans receive a certificate of compliance valid for two years, serving as prima facie proof of contractor eligibility to bid on future contracts; certificates may be revoked for non-compliance.

For public works contracts, the state withholds 2 percent of monthly contract payments until the contractor obtains plan approval; municipalities and quasi-public entities withhold the same percentage for their respective contracts.

Contractors may file affirmative action plans in advance of or simultaneously with their bids, and plans submitted before bid acceptance must be reviewed and approved within 60 days of receipt.