Racial commission's move to governor's office supported

A proposal to put into code the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness passed out of the House Thursday in a 60-5 vote.

HB292, sponsored by Rep. Duane Bourdeaux, D-Salt Lake, now moves to the Senate.

The bill would move the commission from the courts to the governor's office. It would also fund the commission with $122,800 to hire an executive director and secretary. The 30 commission members — representing minority communities, law enforcement, courts, prosecutors and corrections — would continue to serve on a volunteer basis.

Bourdeaux noted that minorities are overrepresented throughout the system. He said Utah's minority population is rapidly growing and now comprises more than 10 percent of the state's population.

"Everyone can agree the Utah criminal and juvenile justice system needs to be fair," Bourdeaux said. The commission "brings greater awareness and helps cooperation and promoting Utah's image as a safe community."

The commission, which held its inaugural meeting Sept. 7, 2001, is a continuation of the Utah Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Legal System, which released its final report in 2000.