Senate Proposes Equity Impact Analysis of Legislation

Senate Proposes Equity Impact Analysis of Legislation By Chris Micheli

            Similar to the Assembly three years ago, Senator Maria Elena Durazo introduced SCR 136, which would require the Senate to direct its policy committees to incorporate more effective equity considerations in their analyses of future energy and climate legislation. In addition, SCR 136 would resolve the Senate to explore methods to integrate equity more formally into its daily activities.

            The Assembly adopted HR 39 (Assembly Member Mike Gipson) in 2021 that directed the Assembly to consider the potential adoption of equity impact analysis into the existing committee and floor bill analysis process.

            SCR 136 contains a dozen “whereas” clauses, followed by two “resolved” clauses, including that the Senate direct its policy committees to incorporate more effective equity considerations, including how policy proposals may impact lower income and disadvantaged communities, in their analyses of future energy and climate legislation.

            In addition, SCR 136 would require the Senate to explore methods to integrate equity more formally into its daily activities, including the potential adoption of equity impact analysis into the existing committee and floor bill analysis process.

            SCR 136 is pending in the Senate Committee on Rules.

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