Civil Rights Advisory Board (Board)

Revision Date: 
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Authority

The Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board provides assistance to the Civil Rights Division of the Arizona Department of Law. Current statutory authority for the Board is found at A.R.S. §§ 41-1401 et seq.

Function

The office of the Arizona Department of Law (the Attorney General’s office) provides legal counsel to state agencies, represents the state in juvenile dependency matters, enforces civil rights, environmental, consumer protection and anti-trust laws, investigates and prosecutes criminal cases, handles criminal appeals, and assists county attorneys. The Civil Rights Division fosters the elimination of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, familial status, or national origin. It may cooperate with public and private groups and agencies of the United States involved in civil rights issues. The Civil Rights Division includes the Board. The Board is authorized to conduct hearings and investigations and provide recommendations to the Division. The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor to three-year terms.

History

Laws 1965, Chapter 27 established the Arizona Civil Rights Commission and outlined the powers and duties of the Commission which included the authority to enter into agreements with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; issue subpoenas; make periodic surveys of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; and submit a report at least annually, describing activities and accomplishments on its work to eliminate discrimination.

Laws 1972, Chapter 163 made clarifying changes to the appointments of members to the civil rights commission. Chapter 192 established the Civil Rights Division within the Department of Law and restructured the Arizona Civil Rights Commission. The measure modified the responsibilities of the Commission, changed its name to the Civil Rights Advisory Board, and transferred property and funds from the Commission to the Department of Law for use by the Civil Rights Division.

Laws 1974, Chapter 76 modified the powers and duties of the Division with respect to exemptions, procedures, penalties and addressed hearings held by the Board.

Conforming changes to the appointments of members of the Board and its powers and duties were made by Laws 1970, Chapter 204; Laws 1973, Chapter 157; and Laws 1989, Chapter 25.

Sources

  • Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 41-1401 et seq.
  • Session Laws
    • Laws 1965, Chapter 27
    • Laws 1970, Chapter 204
    • Laws 1972, Chapters 163 and 192
    • Laws 1973, Chapter 157
    • Laws 1974, Chapter 76
    • Laws 1989, Chapter 250

Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board: Sunset Review Final Report: Senate and House of Representatives Judiciary Committee of Reference. January 3, 2008. http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/digital/collection/statepubs/id/6122/