Bill Number: H440
Position: Oppose
Sponsor: Heather Scott
Bill Info: House Bill 440 proposes an amendment to the Idaho Human Rights Act that bans discrimination and preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the areas of public employment, public education, and public contracting. This applies not only to the State but also cities, counties, public university or community college, school district, special district, or any other political subdivision of or within the state.
Idaho Organization of Resource Councils is committed to empowering people to improve the well-being of their communities. These improvements can originate from many places, including the educational system and organizations such as state agencies. IORC and similar organizations rely on accurate, relevant information from the public sector. Idaho Department of Lands, Department of Health & Welfare, Idaho Tax Commission, the Secretary of State, Health Districts, city and county administrations are all examples of public agencies that have offered valuable information on which we rely to make sound decisions. When these and other agencies take meaningful steps to offset bias and discrimination in hiring practices, there is a greater chance that the resources offered by the agency are better reflections of the communities they serve. House Bill 440 seeks to erase such steps and roll-back crucial civil-rights protections.
Idaho Legislature Website Link: https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2020/legislation/H0440/