BILL NUMBER: SB 291 VETOED DATE: 10/07/2015 To the Members of the California State Senate: I am returning Senate Bill 291without my signature. This bill would amend the definition of "vulnerable communities" for the Office of Health Equity in the California Department of Public Health to include individuals who have experienced trauma related to genocide. The bill would also require the Department of Public Health as well as the Department of Health Care Services to involve these communities in their stakeholder work. The definition of "vulnerable communities" already includes people with mental health conditions, immigrants and refugees. No additional authority is necessary to ensure that both of these departments continue to consider the needs of all those who have suffered trauma related to genocide. Sincerely, Edmund G. Brown Jr.