This bill mandates the dissolution of the Office of Health Equity within the Department of Health and Human Services, the civil rights and environmental justice functions of the Department of Environmental Services, and the Governor's Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion. The bill explicitly prohibits the re-establishment of these entities and restricts the use of allocated funds for any projects labeled as "health equity" or "civil rights and environmental justice." Additionally, it deletes the position of the director of the Office of Health Equity from state statute and repeals the office's membership on the state health assessment and improvement plan advisory council.

The fiscal impact of the bill is significant, as it is projected to save approximately $100,000 in general funds and $69,000 in federal funds annually by eliminating the director's salary and benefits. However, the bill's implications on federal funding are uncertain, particularly for the Department of Environmental Services, which receives substantial federal funding that may be contingent on compliance with civil rights mandates. Overall, the bill does not authorize new positions or provide additional funding, and its effective date is upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 94:1-a, 126-A:88