The Washington State Office of Equity (WA Equity) was created in 2020 to "change the way government develops and implements its policies, practices, and processes (systems change)." Its mission is to "Promote equitable access to opportunities, power, and resources across government that reduce disparities and improve outcomes statewide." Originally envisioned through the Washington State Office of Equity Task Force convened in late 2019, HB 1783 (“Creating the Washington state office of equity”) was signed into law in April 2020. Funding for the Office was initially cut by the Governor as the pandemic took hold and the office was subsequently funded during the 2021 legislative session.
Washington State Office of Equity
(WA Equity)
Public
Structural Relationships
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Washington State Office of the Governor
(WA Governor) -
Washington State Office of Equity
(WA Equity)
Information Set
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Handout - Who is the Office of Equity? - v1 (Sep 4, 2024) [ Info ]
Observations
WA House COG - Committee Meeting
(February 12, 2021) - HB 1443 - Executive Session
A substitute version of a bill expanding and revising the duties and membership of the State’s social equity in cannabis task force was narrowly recommended by its policy committee following a 5-4 party-line vote.
WA Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis - Public Meeting
(December 14, 2020) - A History
A history of racial discrimination in the American drug war and Washington state’s legal industry was described by a task force member, guest presenter, and commenters from inside and outside the industry.
The Week Ahead
(November 30, 2020)
On Monday, legislators in both chambers planned to review social equity within the cannabis industry, medical marijuana, a proposed cannabis commission, and the WSLCB’s status.
WA Task Force on Social Equity in Cannabis - Public Meeting
(October 26, 2020) - Structure
Review of the task force’s scope and responsibilities, draft bylaws, and operating principles elicited member perspectives on the kinds of systemic racism they would attempt to address within the state’s legal cannabis market.
WSLCB - Engagement - BIPOC
(October 5, 2020) - Summary
WSLCB leadership listened during more than two hours of community feedback, provided some feedback of their own, and shared new details about the Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force.
The Week Ahead
(July 27, 2020)
The Chelan County hemp moratorium was back, the Cannabis Science Task Force was prepared to convene, and WSLCB might be ready to speak with software integrators again.
The Week Ahead
(May 25, 2020)
Cannabis-related policymaking in Washington state was set to take another step forward as the WSLCB prepared to convene its first regular board meeting since February 5th.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(April 3, 2020) - Summary
The Governor signed the supplemental operating budget with vetoes totaling $445M in savings which impact funding for three cannabis-related items.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(March 31, 2020) - Summary
The Governor signed HB 2870, WSLCB’s request legislation establishing a social equity program, competitive grants, and a task force to help open a new cycle of retail licensure.
WA Senate - Session - Late Morning
(March 9, 2020) - HB 2870
On Monday March 9th during floor activity, HB 2870 was rewritten and amended once more before being returned from the Senate.