Office of Equity Task Force. In 2019, the Legislature directed the Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Health Disparities (Council) to convene and staff an Office of Equity Task Force (Task Force) to develop a proposal for the creation of the Washington State Office of Equity (Office). The Task Force members include:
The Task Force final proposal, submitted to the Legislature in October 2020, recommended that the Office:
Office of Equity. In July 2020, the Legislature created the Office to promote access to equitable opportunities and resources that reduce disparities and improve outcomes statewide across all sectors of government. The work of the Office must be guided by principles of equity. The Office must facilitate state policy and systems change to promote equitable policies, practices, and outcomes through:
By October 31, 2022, and every year thereafter, the Office must report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing the work of the Office, agency compliance with Office standards and performance measures, and an equity analysis of the Board.
Office of Equity. The director of the Office must be appointed based on recommendations provided by the Board. The Board must screen applicants and provide a list recommending three or more candidates to the Governor. The Governor may select from the list, ask the Board to add additional names, or reject the entire list an ask the Board to submit three additional candidates.
The Office must include recommendations to reduce barriers for community participation on boards and commissions in the October 31, 2022 report to the Governor and the Legislature.
The Office may adopt rules as necessary to:
Community Advisory Board. The Board is created to advise the Office on its priorities and timelines and provide guidance on standards and performance measures. The Director appoints members to the Board. The Board must consist of no more than 20 voting members that support a diverse representation by geography and identity and include, but are not limited to, a representative of:
Members of the Board are entitled to compensation and reimbursement for travel expenses.
State Agencies. All agencies must:
Task Force. The Legislature directs the Council to reconvene the Task Force in July 2024 to evaluate the implementation of the Office and review at minimum:
The Task Force must report to the Governor and the Legislature by October 31, 2025 to provide a summary of the review and any recommended changes to the Office operations and strategies. Members of the Task Force are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses.