This bill mandates the dissolution of several entities, including the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Health Equity, the Department of Environmental Services' functions related to civil rights and environmental justice, 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 related membership provisions on the state health assessment and improvement plan advisory council.

The fiscal impact of the bill is projected to result in a decrease in general fund expenditures of approximately $100,000 annually, alongside a reduction in federal funds, although the exact amount is indeterminable. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that the salary and benefits for the director of health equity, which total around $169,000 per year, would contribute to these savings. However, the bill may also affect the Department of Environmental Services' ability to receive federal funding, as compliance with civil rights mandates is often a requirement for such funding. Overall, the bill does not authorize new positions or provide additional funding.

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