This bill mandates the dissolution of the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Health Access, previously known as the Office of Health Equity, and the environmental justice functions of the Department of Environmental Services. It prohibits the use of allocated funds for any projects labeled as "health equity" or "environmental justice." The bill stipulates that certain functions, such as providing language access services and neutral community engagement to identify barriers to health services, must be transferred to other divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, it deletes the position of the director of the Office of Health Equity from state statute and repeals related membership on advisory councils.

The fiscal impact of the bill indicates a potential decrease in expenditures of approximately $100,000 in general funds and $69,000 in federal funds due to the elimination of the director's position, which costs about $169,000 annually. The bill does not authorize new funding or positions and could affect the Department of Environmental Services' ability to receive federal funds, as compliance with civil rights mandates is a requirement for federal funding. The overall implications of the bill on federal funding and the management of existing grants remain uncertain.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 94:1-a, 126-A:88
As Amended by the House: 94:1-a, 126-A:88