RI H7236

Establishes a 2-year pilot program (January 2027 - December 2028) allowing up to 20 equity impact statements per legislative session to evaluate whether proposed bills would increase, decrease, or have no impact on equity across protected categories including race, sex, disability, and age.

Speaker of the House and Senate President may each request up to 5 equity impact statements, while the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA) may request up to 10 total (5 per chamber).

Commission on Health Advocacy & Equity (CHAE) is responsible for producing the statements in coordination with state agencies and Rhode Island colleges/universities, with statements made public when bills are posted for committee hearings.

Requires the state budget officer to include in the annual budget an explanation of how budget provisions further equity efforts and identify which departmental programs address past and present patterns of discrimination.

Takes effect July 1, 2026, and defines "equity" as providing access and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders by ensuring policies and the state budget correct historic disparities.