Existing law creates, within the Government Operations Agency, a Chief Equity Officer, who is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Governor. Existing law requires the Chief Equity Officer to improve equity and inclusion throughout state government operations and authorizes the Chief Equity Officer to engage with state entities for these purposes.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish a statewide definition of equity so that legislation, policies, resource allocations, and systemic practices empower and meet the unique needs of diverse and underserved populations, and so that communities facing the greatest inequities are not negatively affected or left behind in the allocation of resources in a fair and just way.