House Bill 5768

Complete to 6-26-98

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5768 AS INTRODUCED 4-23-98

House Bill 5768 would create a new act to establish the Office of Minority Ombudsman in the Department of Civil Rights. The purpose of the office would be to assist minority-owned businesses in using the services of the state that are available to those businesses. Under the bill, the ombudsman would be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Departments of Civil Rights, Consumer and Industry Services, Management and Budget, and Treasury, and the Michigan Jobs Commission, would be required to assist the office in executing its duties.

The bill would define "minority" to mean an individual who is African-American, Asian-American, Eskimo, Hispanic, or American Indian. "Minority-owned business" would mean a business that is at least 50 percent owned, controlled, and managed by minorities.

Analyst: J. Hunault

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.