The Public Health Law Center, in partnership with the Network for Public Health Law, recently hosted a two-part webinar series on racial and health equity impact assessment (R/HEIA) laws. R/HEIAs address structural racism by helping to predict how proposed policies are likely to impact racial inequities. They analyze how actions, including legislative decisions, may create, worsen, or reduce racial inequities. This type of analysis and assessment prioritizes equity in the governmental decision-making process.
The series began with a session explaining the basic components of a R/HEIA, including an overview from a 50-state policy scan noting trends in adopted and proposed R/HEIA laws. This introductory webinar featured national researchers and leaders in community-driven policymaking, providing the foundation for equity impact analysis.
The second webinar leaned deeper into R/HEIA implementation, exploring the challenges and opportunities encountered when putting these assessments into practice. Presenters from district, county, and state levels, shared lessons learned and best practices when implementing jurisdictional R/HEIA programs. They also highlighted how R/HEIAs have influenced the legislative process.
The Center and the Network for Public Health Law have made the series recordings available below, with presentations and additional jurisdictional resources. These tools offer strategies for advancing effective R/HEIA efforts in your communities.
Joey Vossen, Senior Staff Attorney
June 17, 2025