The purpose of this Administrative Bulletin is to provide guidance to state agencies to ensure that proposed agency regulations are consistent with the principles and objectives of Executive Order 478.
Among the objectives of Executive Order 478 are to (1) affirmatively promote equal opportunity in agency programs, activities, and services and (2) ensure that agency programs, services, activities and decisions do not discriminate against persons with respect to race, color, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, disability, veteran's status, or source of income. Pursuant to Executive Order 478, each state agency has the responsibility in the discharge of its duties to consider the likely effects that its decisions, programs, services, and activities will have on achieving non-discrimination, diversity, and equal opportunity.
A civil rights impact analysis (CRIA) facilitates the identification of administrative decisions that may adversely and disproportionately impact service, activity or program beneficiaries based on their membership in a protected group. Responsive action based on CRIA findings can eliminate or substantially alleviate these negative effects.
The Office of Access and Opportunity is responsible for oversight and coordination of efforts to ensure non-discrimination, diversity and equal opportunity in all facets of the executive branch. The Assistant Secretary has developed these guidelines to facilitate state agency fidelity with the objectives of Executive Order 478.