Compliance Stuff

  Takeaways As federal affirmative action policies have shifted, state-level responsibilities can be a higher and different bar. California reinforces its commitment to nondiscrimination in public contracting through various requirements. California contractors should assess compliance with state law and other applicable obligations. Article As federal policies shift from affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives — particularly through Executive Order 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which rescinded affirmative action mandates for federal contractors — states are filling the void. Several states, including California, and municipalities are reinforcing their commitment to nondiscrimination through compliance certification requirements. Employers seeking to do business with California should prepare to meet these obligations. California’s Nondiscrimination Requirements for State Contractors Under California law, ...

Ohio has eliminated requirements that state contractors maintain written affirmative action programs (AAPs) and that bidders for public improvement construction projects receive affirmative action certifications. The changes significantly alter the landscape for state contractors amid President Donald Trump’s rollback of AAP compliance mandates for federal contractors. Quick Hits A new Ohio law will eliminate AAP requirements for state contractors. The changes align with the Trump administration’s rollback of federal affirmative action mandates. Ohio was one of several states and local jurisdictions with its own contractor affirmative action requirements . On June 30, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law  House Bill (HB) 96 , the state’s operating appropriations vehicle for fiscal year (FY) 2026–27. The legislation revamped government administrative requirements and will eliminate key affirmative action requirements for state contractors effective September 30, 2025. AA...