The bill seeks to enhance the representation of tribal representatives on local boards of health in Washington State by amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It stipulates that if a federally recognized Indian tribe has reservation or trust lands within a county, or if an urban Indian organization recognized by the Indian Health Service operates in the county, a tribal representative must be appointed to the board. The selection of these representatives will be made by the respective tribe or organization, and the American Indian Health Commission must be notified of their appointment. Additionally, the bill modifies the composition of local boards of health to ensure that the number of members from various categories, including public health professionals and community stakeholders, equals the number of elected officials on the board, while also emphasizing the inclusion of individuals from historically marginalized communities.

Moreover, the bill includes provisions for the appointment, term, and compensation of board members, ensuring that the local health officer is appointed according to the county charter. It mandates that any decisions regarding permits, licensing, and application fees must be made solely by the elected officials on the board. The legislation allows local boards of health composed solely of elected officials to maintain this structure if they had a public health advisory committee established by January 1, 2021, and sets a deadline of January 1, 2022, for these committees to meet specific requirements. Additionally, it requires the state board of health to adopt rules for modifying local board membership within one year of the bill's effective date, further promoting inclusivity in health governance.

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
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70.05.030, 70.05.035, 70.46.020, 70.46.031