S 2160
An Act to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
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Bill overview
This bill aims to increase gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on Massachusetts public boards and commissions. It seeks to ensure a more representative selection of members across these bodies. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and has undergone hearings to gather input on its implementation.
Key provisions
- Requires boards and commissions to develop diversity plans.
- Establishes goals for gender and racial/ethnic diversity.
- May utilize data-driven recruitment strategies.
- Allows for the consideration of diversity in appointment processes.
- Directs agencies to report on diversity efforts.
- Provides a framework for addressing underrepresentation.
- Supports the development of best practices for diversity and inclusion.
Who is affected
- State Boards and Commissions
- Appointing Authorities
- Members of Public Boards and Commissions
- Massachusetts Residents
- State Agencies
Notable changes
- The bill focuses on establishing goals and plans for diversity rather than mandating specific quotas.
- It emphasizes data-driven recruitment and reporting to ensure accountability.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Jason M. Lewis
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
Jason M. Lewis
John F. Keenan
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
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Bill S.2160 194th (Current)
An Act to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2160) of Jason M. Lewis and James B. Eldridge for legislation to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Jason M. Lewis Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 8 actions for Bill S.2160
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 10/17/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/28/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-11:45 PM in A-2 |
| 10/28/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-11:45 AM in A-2 |
| 10/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:45 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 10/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 10/29/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 12/24/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
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