The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the processing of complaints related to civil rights and potential liabilities for the state.

A significant point of discussion was the backlog of cases and the implications of delays in processing these complaints. Subcommittee members expressed concern about the potential for lawsuits or federal interventions if the state fails to meet its obligations. The department confirmed that while it is required to complete investigations within one year of a complaint being filed, there are no statutory requirements for how quickly initial responses must be made. However, officials acknowledged that a ten-day response time is too long, especially for individuals facing urgent situations such as eviction or discriminatory layoffs.

To address these concerns, the department has implemented an automated appointment system to streamline the process for individuals seeking assistance. This system allows users to view the next available appointment, which helps manage public expectations and aims to reduce the backlog.

Importantly, the department clarified that there is currently no identified risk of lawsuits against the state due to delays in processing complaints. Individuals who file complaints are not mandated to go through the department and can pursue private enforcement of their civil rights independently. This means that while the department is committed to reducing wait times, individuals have alternative avenues for seeking justice.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the department to continue improving its processes and to keep the backlog of cases as low as possible, recognizing the significant impact delays can have on individuals seeking resolution.