ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
civil rights violations;
enforcement
Purpose
Modifies the civil rights
enforcement procedures for discrimination in public accommodations and voting
rights to conform with other Arizona civil rights statutes.
Background
The public accommodations
and voting provisions of the Arizona Civil Rights Act have not been reviewed or
amended since they were originally enacted in 1965. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office (AG) states that the
changes proposed in S.B. 1224 will establish procedures and remedies that are
consistent with other Arizona civil rights statutes relating to employment,
housing and the Arizonans with Disabilities Act.
The fiscal impact of this
bill on the state general fund is unknown at this time.
Provisions
1. Extends from 60 to 180 days the amount of time from the date of the alleged discriminatory practice in which the charging party may file with the AG.
2. Allows the AG to file charges on its own initiative to investigate alleged discriminatory practices.
3. Eliminates the requirement for a hearing before the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board prior to a court proceeding.
4. Expands the remedies available to conform with remedies for other civil rights violations.
5. Eliminates duplicative language and makes technical and conforming changes.
6. Provides for a general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Staff
January 26, 2001