The State Government Strategic Planning and Performance and Review Act requires each agency, department, office, or commission for which strategic planning efforts are recommended, as specified, to develop a strategic plan and to report to the Governor and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by April 1 each year on the steps being taken to develop and adopt a strategic plan. The act requires the report to include a description of the elements to be included in the strategic plan, the process for developing and adopting the strategic plan, and the timetable for the plan’s completion.

This bill would additionally require every state agency or department subject to the Governor’s authority to take specified actions in regard to any strategic plan to more effectively advance racial equity, as specified, and to undertake a racial equity analysis before implementing any budget or before any regulation takes effect, by the agency’s or department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion officer or comparable position. If that position does not exist within the agency or department, the bill would require the analysis to be performed by an individual who has demonstrated expertise, and demonstrated satisfaction of appropriate criteria, in specified areas including analyzing, implementing, or developing public policies that impact racial equity.

11818.

(a) Every agency or department subject to the Governor’s authority shall, for any strategic plan, do both of the following:

(1) Develop or update the strategic plan to reflect the use of data analysis and inclusive practices to more effectively advance racial equity and to respond to identified disparities with changes to the organization’s mission, vision, goals, data tools, policies, programs, operations, community engagement, tribal consultation policies and practices, and any other actions as necessary to serve all Californians.

(2) As part of the development or updating of strategic plans, engage and gather input from California communities that have been historically disadvantaged and underserved within the scope of policies or programs administered or implemented by the agency or department and make the plans publicly available.

(b) Every agency or department subject to the Governor’s authority shall undertake a racial equity analysis before implementing any budget or before any regulation takes effect, by the agency’s or department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion officer or comparable position. If that position does not exist, the racial equity analysis shall be performed by an individual who has demonstrated expertise, and has demonstrated satisfaction of appropriate criteria, in at least one of the following areas:

(1) Analyzing, implementing, or developing public policies that impact racial equity.

(2) Providing technical assistance in developing and implementing strategies for racial equity, including, but not limited to, guidance on employee training and support, developing racial equity programming, and assisting organizations and departments on changing policies and practices to improve racial equity outcomes.

(3) Being a member of or representing a racial equity-focused organization that works with an impacted community.