Committee considers bill to require agencies to disaggregate demographic data

Summary

Senate Bill 5784 would require state agencies to collect voluntary self-identification demographic data consistent with OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 15, including MENA as a minimum category and additional disaggregation where appropriate; the Office of Equity supported the policy but noted fiscal and privacy considerations.

Senate Bill 5784 would require state agencies to collect voluntary self-identification demographic data using the updated categories provided by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget's Statistical Policy Directive No. 15, including adding Middle Eastern/North African as a minimum category and encouraging disaggregation when program context warrants.

Sponsor Sen. Hasegawa told the committee that disaggregated data are essential for accountability and to avoid erasing disparities (he cited the example of aggregated Asian data masking subcommunity needs). Patrick Stipney of the Office of Equity testified in support of the policy goals but cautioned that the fiscal impacts are not in the governor's budget and that privacy protections and small-sample identification risks must be addressed in implementation.

Staff and the Office of Equity said agencies could apply for variances or exceptions, and the Office of Equity will collaborate on standards for collection, analysis and reporting to balance visibility and confidentiality. The committee closed the hearing with staff noting sign-in counts.