Rep. LUCAS proposes the following Amendment No. 1 to S. 996 (COUNCIL\SD\996C002.NBD.SD20):

Reference is to Printer's Date 1/21/20-H.

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by adding a new SECTION immediately before Section 1 to read:

/SECTION __. ( A)The General Assembly finds that:

(1) it is important that public sector positions reflect the population as much as possible;

(2) racial discrimination and related intolerance have been shown to negatively impact people of color and communities of color;

(3) because of the obstacles which racial discrimination pose to candidates for the public service commission;

(4) because of the negative impacts to communities of color as to the fair and equitable administration of rates and service before the commission;

(5) diversity is a critical component of the fair administration of rates and service.

(B) In screening candidates for the Commission and making its findings, the Review Committee must give due consideration to race, gender, and other demographic factors to assure nondiscrimination, inclusion, and representation to the greatest extent possible of all segments of the population of this State. /

renumber sections to conform.