Equal Opportunity And Non-Discrimination Without Quotas.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION WITHOUT QUOTAS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. Amends state constitution to require all state government instrumentalities to ensure equal opportunity in public employment, education and contracting and to prevent race, sex, age, color, ethnic, national origin discrimination. Prohibits use of quotas based on these characteristics in public employment, education or hiring. Prohibits affirmative action programs using quotas or that hire or select unqualified persons based on prohibited characteristics. Exempts state actions necessary for receipt of federal funds. Allows courts to remedy effect of discrimination. Adds statute to penalize fraudulent benefit from affirmative action programs. Provisions severable. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential annual savings in state higher education programs of up to $30 million and would make up to $38 million available in public schools and community colleges for other educational programs. Potential, but unknown costs, for public entities to ensure equal opportunity and prevent discrimination