The bill seeks to enhance the representation and diversity of local boards of health in Washington State by mandating the inclusion of tribal representatives when a federally recognized Indian tribe or an urban Indian organization operates within the county. It amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to require that these representatives be selected by the respective tribe or organization, with notification to the American Indian health commission. The bill also emphasizes the importance of including individuals from historically marginalized communities and establishes guidelines for board member qualifications, ensuring that members are not elected officials and come from various backgrounds, including public health professionals and community stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for balancing the composition of the board, stipulating that the number of members from specific categories must equal the number of city and county elected officials. It allows for the expansion of board membership to include elected officials, provided they do not form a majority. The bill also requires local boards of health with solely elected officials to maintain their composition if they had a public health advisory committee established by January 1, 2021, and sets deadlines for compliance with new requirements. Furthermore, it mandates the state board of health to adopt rules for modifying local board membership within one year of the bill's effective date, aiming to improve accountability and adherence to public health standards.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.05.030, 70.05.035, 70.46.020, 70.46.031
Substitute Bill: 70.05.030, 70.05.035, 70.46.020, 70.46.031
Engrossed Substitute: 70.05.030, 70.05.035, 70.46.020, 70.46.031