Bill > S1388

This bill establishes the "Health Equity at All Levels in Government Initiative" to address health disparities and inequities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions include: - Contracting with an academic institution to conduct health equity assessments of bills before the legislature, which committees may consider when deciding whether to report a bill favorably. - Creating an interagency task force and oversight board to develop a strategic plan, shared health equity metrics, and provide accountability and community perspectives. - Requiring state agencies to prepare and implement health equity strategic plans every two years, which the Initiative and oversight board must approve. - Empowering the Initiative to provide technical assistance, training, data analysis, and health equity assessments to state agencies upon request. - Recognizing racism as a public health crisis and directing the Initiative to address it in accordance with health equity principles. The bill aims to promote health equity across various social determinants of health, including economic stability, education, housing, environment, and health care access, with a focus on underserved and marginalized populations.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1388