Assignment: Public Health Policy Analysis

California maintains a website that follows proposed bills throughout the legislative process. Students will identify one key piece of legislation that is currently (2015-2016) making its way through a state legislative process in California or another state, but has not yet passed or been enacted! The bill must be a Senate Bill (SB) or an Assembly Bill (AB).

Overview of the Health Problem

An overview of the public health problem to be addressed. Discuss the severity of the problem and the number of people affected by it and the proposed bill.

Severity of the Health Problem

Discuss the research behind the health problem. Is there consensus among researchers regarding its severity and how to best deal with it? What would realistically happen if no intervention was implemented? Please make sure to cite all references to the literature to support your statistics and data.

Overview of the Bill and Stakeholders

An overview of the proposed bill in terms of its specific provisions. Do not just discuss what the promoters promise that is will accomplish. Make sure to read the fine print and see exactly what the bill will do. Describe who the stakeholders are that are affected in any way by this bill.

Promises/Expected Outcomes

Who are the promoters of the bill? Describe what the promoters of the bill believe the bill will accomplish. Make sure to discuss what specific health outcomes that the promoters say will occur if the bill is passed.

Problems

Describe what individuals or groups are opposed to the bill and why. Make sure to research special interest groups such as professional trade association, industry groups, etc. To see what type of lobbying efforts they are making with respect to the bill.

Recommendations

What is your recommendation regarding the bill. Make sure to back up your opinion with the facts and with support from the class readings.

Mechanics

Select a bill that has been proposed in response to a perceived public health problem and write an4 page paper (1" margins, 12 pt font and APA reference page).