The proposed legislation establishes the Equity Impact Statement Act, which aims to address persistent disparities in Rhode Island by incorporating equity impact statements into the legislative process. This act recognizes the existence of structural inequities affecting various communities, particularly those based on race, gender, and other classifications. It introduces a two-year pilot program starting in January 2027, allowing for the request of up to twenty equity impact statements per legislative session. The Speaker of the House may request up to five statements, the President of the Senate may request up to five statements, and the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA) may request up to five statements in both the House and Senate.

The Commission on Health Advocacy & Equity (CHAE) will be responsible for producing the equity impact statements, which will evaluate whether proposed legislation is likely to increase equity, decrease equity, or have no impact on equity, considering categories such as race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, and/or country of ancestral origin. The CHAE will coordinate with relevant state agencies and may seek expertise from Rhode Island colleges or universities to assist in this process. The legislative council will oversee the formatting of the statements and ensure they are attached to the corresponding bills, which will be made available to the public at the time of committee hearings.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the state budget officer, under the supervision of the governor, include an explanation in the annual state budget regarding how the budget promotes equity for historically disadvantaged groups. This includes identifying departmental programs and expenditures that aim to increase equity. The act emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential consequences of legislation on existing disparities and aims to ensure that future policies contribute to a more equitable society. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.