CT HB06662

Declares racism a public health crisis in Connecticut that will continue until the commission achieves a 70% reduction in racial disparities across education, health care, criminal justice, and economic indicators by January 1, 2022 baseline measurements.

Establishes the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health as part of the Legislative Department with 21 member positions including appointments by legislative leaders, state commissioners, and representatives from racial equity organizations, with an executive director and up to two executive assistants.

Requires the commission to create a comprehensive strategic plan addressing health disparities across sectors including air/water quality, housing, public health, criminal justice, and health care access, with specific focus on structural racism in state laws and regulations.

Mandates reports from the Department of Public Health on health care worker recruitment and retention programs for people of color and from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on racial equity in environmental health programs, both due by January 1, 2022.

Directs the Office of Higher Education to evaluate recruitment and retention of people of color in health care preparation programs and inclusion of "cultural humility" education, with findings reported by January 1, 2022.