Rhode Island General Laws Title 28. Labor and Labor Relations § 28-5.1-3.1. Appointments to state boards, commissions, public authorities, and quasi-public corporations

(a) The general assembly finds that, as a matter of public policy, the effectiveness of each appointed state board, commission, and the governing body of each public authority and quasi-public corporation is enhanced when it reflects the diversity, including the racial and gender composition, of Rhode Island's population. Consequently, each person responsible for appointing one or more individuals to serve on any board or commission or to the governing body of any public authority or board shall endeavor to ensure that, to the fullest extent possible, the composition of the board, commission, or governing body reflects the diversity of Rhode Island's population.

(b) During the month of January in each year the boards, agencies, commissions, or authorities are requested to file with the state equal opportunity office a list of its members, designating their race, gender, and date of appointment.

(c) Of the candidates considered for appointment by the governor and the general assembly, the governor and the general assembly shall give due consideration to recommendations made by representatives of Rhode Island's minority community-based organizations. The human resources outreach and diversity office shall act as the liaison with state government and shall forward the recommendations to appointing authorities.

(d) The appointing authority, in consultation with the equal employment opportunity administrator and the human resources outreach and diversity administrator within the department of administration, shall annually conduct a utilization analysis of appointments to state boards, commissions, public authorities, and quasi-public corporations based upon the annual review conducted pursuant to § 28-5.1-3.

(e) The equal employment opportunity administrator shall report the results of the analysis to the Rhode Island commission for human rights and to the general assembly by or on January 31 and July 31 of each year, consistent with § 28-5.1-17. The report shall be a public record and shall be made available electronically on the secretary of state's website.