This bill mandates the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to convene and support a network of equity zones, which are local multisector collaboratives consisting of nonprofits, service providers, advocates, community members, state agencies, and municipalities. The purpose of these equity zones is to address social determinants of health at a local level.

The EOHHS is tasked with several responsibilities to support these equity zones, including:

1. Promoting resident leadership development, civic engagement, and capacity-building efforts to ensure that those most affected by inequities are leading the solutions.
2. Addressing the root causes of health and economic disparities locally.
3. Sharing lessons learned and best practices between equity zones to enhance collective impact statewide.

Additionally, the EOHHS shall:

1. Collect, track, analyze, and share data relevant to the equity zones.
2. Offer direct assistance to improve the quality, functionality, and capacity of equity zones.
3. Connect equity zones to technical assistance providers when needs exceed what EOHHS can provide directly.
4. Coordinate with other state departments beyond the Department of Health on issues such as housing and economic development to ensure a comprehensive approach.

Funding for the equity zone network infrastructure will come from a combination of state appropriations and federal dollars, with the goal of equitably sustaining existing equity zones. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.