The proposed bill aims to enhance the Rhode Island Equity Zone (RIEZ) initiative, which has successfully expanded to fourteen communities and demonstrated significant improvements in social vulnerability, health status, and economic opportunity for historically underserved populations. The bill recognizes the need for a "whole of government" approach to address social determinants of health, advocating for collaboration among various state agencies, including housing and economic development. It emphasizes the importance of sustained funding to maintain the infrastructure that has made RIEZ a national model for addressing systemic inequities.

To formalize this initiative, the bill introduces new legal language under Chapter 42-7.2, establishing a framework for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to support a network of equity zones. This includes provisions for resident leadership development, addressing root causes of disparities, and sharing best practices across zones. The EOHHS is tasked with collecting and analyzing relevant data, providing direct assistance, and coordinating with other state departments to ensure a comprehensive approach. The bill also stipulates that state appropriations will be combined with federal funding to sustain the equity zone network, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.