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B 26-0024

Social Determinants of Health Spending Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Christina Henderson

DC bill amends spending rules to fund and coordinate social determinants of health programs, aiming to reduce health disparities by strengthening housing, nutrition, and transport.

Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0024 Published in the District of Columbia Register
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Bill Summary · B 26-0024

Summary: Bill B 26-0024 — Social Determinants of Health Spending Amendment Act of 2025

Overview

Bill B 26-0024, titled the Social Determinants of Health Spending Amendment Act of 2025, is a District of Columbia Council bill introduced on January 6, 2025 by Councilmember Henderson. The bill is designated as an amendment act, implying it would modify existing District law related to spending tied to social determinants of health (SDOH). The legislative process so far includes a notice of intent to act and referrals to two committees.

Status and Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 6, 2025 (Councilmember Henderson)
  • Referred: January 7, 2025 to the Committee on Health and the Committee on Business and Economic Development
  • Notice of Intent to Act: January 10, 2025 (published in the District of Columbia Register)
  • Current status: Notice of Intent published; no final legislative action reported in the prompt

Purpose and Intent (as inferred from the title)

  • The bill appears aimed at amending the District’s spending framework related to social determinants of health. SDOH refers to conditions in housing, education, income, transportation, food security, environment, and other factors that influence health outcomes.
  • The intended outcome is likely to clarify, reallocate, or increase accountability for public spending that addresses SDOH in order to improve health equity and population health outcomes in the District.

Note: The exact statutory language and precise provisions are not provided in the prompt. The following sections outline typical provisions such a bill might include and what to look for once the full text is available.

Expected Key Provisions (typical content for SDOH spending amendments)

Because the bill’s text is not included, the following are common elements in SDH-focused spending amendments and should be confirmed with the full bill:
- Allocation and Reallocation of Funds: Establishment or modification of line items or funding streams dedicated to SDOH-related programs (e.g., housing stability, nutrition, transportation access, environmental health, education, employment supports).
- Coordination Across Agencies: Requirements for interagency coordination to align health spending with housing, social services, transportation, and economic development programs.
- Reporting and Transparency: Mandates for annual reports or dashboards detailing SDH expenditures, outcomes, and ROI; audit and oversight provisions.
- Performance Metrics: Establishment of metrics to evaluate the impact of SDOH spending on health outcomes, disparities, and access to care.
- New or Modified Funds/Grants: Creation of a dedicated fund or grant program, or changes to eligibility and grant-disbursement processes.
- Public Participation and Oversight: Provisions for stakeholder input or advisory mechanisms related to SDH spending decisions.

Affected Parties and Beneficiaries

  • Government Agencies: Likely involves the District’s health department, housing authority, transportation, social services, and economic development agencies, among others.
  • Stakeholders: Health providers, housing organizations, community-based groups, and residents whose health is influenced by social determinants.
  • Beneficiaries: District residents experiencing health disparities or barriers related to housing, nutrition, income, transportation, education, and environmental conditions.

Potential Impact

  • Policy Impact: Could realign or increase funding for programs addressing SDOH, promoting a more integrated approach to health and social policy.
  • Equity Implications: Aims to reduce health disparities by ensuring resources target root causes of poor health outcomes.
  • Administrative Impact: May require new reporting, interagency coordination, and potential establishment of new funds or budgetary processes.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Obtain the full bill text from the District of Columbia Register or the DC Council’s website to review exact amendments, definitions, and fiscal notes.
  • Monitor subsequent committee actions and any public hearings by the Committee on Health and the Committee on Business and Economic Development.
  • Look for fiscal impact statements and implementation timelines once available.

If you’d like, I can update this summary with precise language and provisions as soon as the official bill text is released.

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

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