Other LanguagesWhat does the Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents Hotline Advisory Committee do?
The Advisory Committee, established in SSB 5427 (2024), works with the Attorney General’s Policy Division staff to provide advice and assistance regarding the Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents hotline’s design, operation, outreach, service delivery objectives and priorities, and funding. This can include engaging and receiving presentations from similar hotlines in other states, providing input on what information the hotline collects, and informing the Attorney General’s Office on best practices and community outreach.
What does the Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents Hotline Advisory Committee not do?
The Advisory Committee does not have authority to perform surveillance, investigate incidents of hate or bias, or generate lists of residents. The Advisory Committee does not have rule-making authority. Any recommendations about the hotline are advisory in nature.
How were members appointed to the Advisory Committee?
The legislation designated appointing authority to the Attorney General’s Office and required the following entities to be represented: legal aid, at least five community organizations working with historically underserved communities across the state, local and culturally specific service providers, state agencies, and any other entities the attorney general's office deems relevant to the program. Policy division staff engaged in outreach to those groups to solicit applications. The application portal was open to the public for four weeks and posted on the Office’s website. The Attorney General’s Office leadership made the final appointment decisions in October 2024.
What is the purpose of Advisory Committee meetings?
Advisory Committee meetings are meant to engage community stakeholders to advise the Attorney General’s staff on program development and implementation of the hotline; provide potential recommendations and input on its design; hear from members of the public; and aid in the program’s outreach and funding. Policy staff manages and facilitates the Advisory Committee’s meetings.
How can members of the public engage with the Advisory Committee?
Per the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), Advisory Committee meetings are open for the public to attend. Members of the public can provide comment in meetings during designated public comment periods. Please read the instructions and registration information on the website to learn more about making public comments. Meetings are not recorded.
For more information on OPMA procedures, please see the Open Government Resource Manual, Chapter 3, here.