State agencies and departments: strategic plans: diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Assembly Member Sharp-Collins, joined by a broad coalition of legislative colleagues, proposes new requirements for California state agencies to incorporate racial equity analysis into their strategic planning and regulatory processes. The legislation would mandate agencies under the Governor's authority to revise their strategic plans using data analysis and inclusive practices to address identified disparities.

Under the proposed changes, agencies would need to engage with historically disadvantaged communities during the strategic planning process and make their plans publicly available. The legislation specifies that plans must detail modifications to organizational elements including mission statements, data tools, policies, programs, and tribal consultation practices. Additionally, agencies would conduct racial equity analyses before implementing new budgets or regulations, performed by either designated diversity, equity, and inclusion officers or qualified individuals with demonstrated expertise in racial equity policy work.

The bill outlines specific qualifications for those conducting racial equity analyses when agencies lack dedicated equity officers. Qualified individuals must possess experience in analyzing public policies affecting racial equity, providing technical assistance on equity strategies, or representing equity-focused organizations working with impacted communities. These requirements aim to ensure analyses draw upon relevant expertise in identifying and addressing disparities through policy mechanisms.