WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

B 26-0753

Health and Human Service Programs and Benefits Eligibility and Delivery Data-Sharing Clarifications Amendment Act of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

The bill broadens and clarifies data-sharing across DC health and human services to speed accurate eligibility determinations for SNAP and other programs while ensuring proper safe

Referred to Committee on Human Services
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · B 26-0753

Summary of Bill: B 26-0753 – Health and Human Service Programs and Benefits Eligibility and Delivery Data-Sharing Clarifications Amendment Act of 2026

Purpose and intent

  • This bill clarifies and expands the authority for data-sharing within the District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and between DHS and other District agencies that provide health or human services.
  • The primary goal is to facilitate timely and accurate determination of eligibility for federal and District health and human service programs and benefits, improve program coordination, and address specific administrative needs related to eligibility determinations (notably for SNAP).
  • It also aligns District data-sharing authorities with existing federal and local data-sharing frameworks, ensuring that authorized uses and mandatory disclosures are clear and consistent with relevant acts, including the Data-Sharing and Information Coordination Amendment Act of 2010.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005 amendments (data-sharing clarifications)

    • Section 9(a)(7): Replace the existing phrase about confidentiality with language that ties disclosures to the authorized uses and mandatory disclosures under Title I of the Data-Sharing and Information Coordination Amendment Act of 2010.
    • Section 12(12): Similar replacement for confidentiality language to reference authorized uses and mandatory disclosures under the 2010 Act.

  2. Data-Sharing and Information Coordination Amendment Act of 2010 amendments

    • Section 101(1): Broadens the definition of “agency or instrumentality” to include “authority, or instrumentality of the District of Columbia government, or any subdivision of such agency, department, unit, authority, or instrumentality.”
    • Section 102(a) lead-in: Revisions to the lead-in language to remove certain restrictions, effectively facilitating broader data-sharing with proper safeguards.

  3. Fiscal impact and effective date

    • The bill adopts the Chief Financial Officer’s (CFO) fiscal impact statement.
    • Effective date: Upon Mayoral approval (or Council action to override a veto), followed by a 30-day congressional review and publication in the DC Register.

Who/what would be affected

  • DHS programs, specifically:
    • Family Services Administration
    • Economic Security Administration
  • Other District agencies that provide health or human services and may share data with DHS to determine eligibility and coordinate benefits.
  • SNAP recipients, including those affected by ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) eligibility and time limit exemptions, as the bill’s enforcement changes and data-sharing provisions are intended to streamline determinations and compliance with screening requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative action history:
    • Introduced July 9, 2026, by Chairman Phil Mendelson.
    • Referred to the Committee on Human Services on July 14, 2026.
  • Enactment process:
    • If enacted, the act would become effective after mayoral approval (or Council override of veto), followed by a 30-day congressional review and publication requirements.
  • Related notes:
    • The bill references and relies on the Data-Sharing and Information Coordination Amendment Act of 2010 to define and govern authorized uses and disclosures.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Improved efficiency in determining eligibility for SNAP and other welfare programs through streamlined data-sharing between DHS divisions and other health/human service agencies.
  • Enhanced coordination of services, reducing administrative barriers for recipients and staff.
  • Legal and privacy safeguards reflected in updated confidentiality language to ensure data-sharing complies with authorized uses and mandatory disclosures under the 2010 Act.
  • The amendments aim to restore or bolster the District’s ability to provide time-limit exemptions for SNAP ABAWD recipients in light of federal changes, reducing burdens on affected customers.

If you’d like, I can provide a section-by-section breakdown with direct language excerpts or compare this bill to current law for a more detailed analysis.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.