SB 17: Establishing an Office of Racial Equity in California

Office of Racial Equity

SB 17 called for the creation of new independently governed investigatory bodies to develop a racial equity framework and address racial inequities present in the California state government. In addition, it brought attention to how the COVID-19 pandemic  exacerbated racial health outcomes and proclaimed racism as a public health crisis. In June 2021, this bill passed the Senate and was ordered to the Assembly where it died as an inactive file after a third reading in November 2022.

Why It Matters

SCG believes that definitions make a difference and can lead to action. We believe declaring racism a public health crisis will help bring attention to how racial disparities have long affected the health outcomes of communities of color. Without the development of dedicated, independent groups to analyze state government from an external perspective, there is a major risk that these inequities will continue to grow. Racial disparities in health care and social services are by no means a new phenomenon. Historically underserved populations are overwhelmingly uninsured or underinsured, have higher instances of chronic disease, and receive a lower quality of care. The COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified these inequitable health outcomes, especially for Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Asian communities, who face significantly higher infection rates, hospitalization, and death. These at-risk groups, which often overlap with lower socioeconomic status, were put in further danger due to the demands of in-person work, public transportation, and lack of adequate health insurance and available services. In addition to the pandemic, existing (and worsening) social and living environments have a heavy influence on health. Indicators such as growing racial tensions, police brutality, and environmental distress signal increased levels of chronic stress.