CT SB00032

Establishes a Commission on Health Equity with the mission of eliminating health disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, and linguistic ability.

Commission membership includes state agency commissioners (Public Health, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Developmental Services, Social Services, Correction, Children and Families, Education), university deans, representatives from advocacy organizations (National Urban League, NAACP, Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, Native American community, Hispanic advocacy groups), and eight public members appointed by legislative leaders.

Commission shall review proposed state legislation and regulations affecting health disparities, comment on Department of Public Health's health disparities performance measures, advise state leadership, and serve as a liaison between affected populations and state agencies.

Commission has authority to collect and analyze health data by race, ethnicity, gender, national origin and linguistic ability; draft and recommend legislation and regulations; conduct hearings; and appoint an executive director and staff within available appropriations.

Commission shall be administratively placed within the Insurance Department and must submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly regarding health disparities and state efforts to address them; effective October 1, 2016.