Bill > SB5228

This bill updates the governor's interagency coordinating council on health disparities, renaming it the "governor's council for health justice and equity" and expanding its scope and responsibilities. The council will now consist of 24 members representing various state commissions, agencies, and communities, including representatives from commissions focused on different racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ issues, disability issues, and youth. The bill emphasizes a more comprehensive approach to addressing health inequities, recognizing racism as a public health crisis and focusing on the intersecting forms of oppression that create barriers to health and well-being. The council will now be tasked with creating a statewide vision and universal goals for health, developing policy recommendations, promoting collaboration between state agencies and communities, and conducting research to understand how government actions impact health disparities. The council will be required to submit reports to the governor and legislature every two years, starting in 2027, detailing their progress, policy recommendations, and efforts to advance health justice and equity across Washington state. Members will be appointed with an emphasis on diversity and expertise in health equity, and the council will have the authority to form advisory committees and develop policy positions to support its mission.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5228&Year=2025&Initiative=false