The Equity in Government Act (H.R. 4524) is a part of an reintroduction of two former bills in the 118th Congress: H.R. 7881 & H.R. 7882. 

This bill embeds equity into the core functions of federal agencies. The bill amends Titles 5, 31, and 44 of the U.S. Code to require federal agencies to prioritize the needs of underserved communities in their strategic planning, performance goals, leadership structures, and data practices. It establishes new mechanisms like Agency Equity Advisory Teams and an Equitable Data Working Group to ensure that equity is not just aspirational but operational throughout the federal government.

The Equity in Government Act mandates that federal agencies integrate equity into their strategic and performance planning by including at least one equity-focused goal or 20% of all goals, whichever is greater. Agencies must form Agency Equity Advisory Teams made up of at least 10 senior officials across various departments to guide internal equity work. The bill also creates an Equity Subcommittee within the Performance Improvement Council to provide government-wide guidance, share best practices, and coordinate equity initiatives. Additionally, the legislation enhances the role of Chief Data Officers by requiring them to ensure the equitable use, collection, and sharing of data through a newly established Equitable Data Working Group. The bill ensures accountability by directing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the effectiveness of these reforms and delays the termination of any relevant council until two years after the GAO’s findings are submitted.