This two part study was designed to determine whether working relationships can be expanded between the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and various State agencies with similar missions. First, a survey of State laws and enforcement mechanisms identifies those States with current laws or policies similar to those that OCR administers. Results indicate that all but 11 States have specific or probable authority over such areas. The second part of the study explores the resources and capabilities of eight States in the area of civil rights. The scope and activities of each State's human rights commission, education agency, public health department and other human service agencies are described. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) agencies' willingness and capacity to work with OCR varies greatly; (2) many State human rights organizations are sophisticated and efficient; (3) several State education agencies operate strong civil rights programs that could be used to expand OCR's compliance review and monitoring functions; (4) State health departments are generally willing to undertake civil rights compliance or complaint handling activities; and (5) while civil rights programs exist in some other agencies, these are uncommon. A general conclusion is that though relationships with some State agencies could be expanded, attempts to impose uniform procedures are unlikely to succeed. (Author/GC)