Rep. McGarvey Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand 211 Health and Human Services Hotline
The HELP Act of 2026 is currently in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where it was sent on April 26, 2026. The bill is not moving forward at this time because it must wait for the committee to decide whether to hold a vote. Most bills do not receive a committee vote and often stall at this stage.
The bill has support from both parties, which helps its chances. However, it asks for a lot of new spending and still needs to pass through several committees.
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The bill explicitly includes Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations in its definition of "State," meaning they are eligible for their own 211 service grants. Many tribal communities currently have limited or no 211 coverage, so this could bring a new information and referral system to underserved Native American populations.
“The term ``State'' means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization.”
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Lawmakers introduced the HELP Act of 2026 this week, a bipartisan effort to expand the 211 health and human services hotline. The bill proposes $250 million in annual funding to upgrade technology and integrate 211 with 911 and 988 emergency lines to better direct non-emergency social calls.
Community organizations across Ohio are spearheading an expansion of the 211 hotline to ensure 100% statewide coverage. The move comes as federal legislators propose the HELP Act to provide national funding for such expansions and better coordination with emergency services.
The Human-Services Emergency Logistics Program (HELP) Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, seeks to alleviate the burden on police and emergency rooms by funding the expansion of the 211 network. The bill allocates $250 million annually through 2032 for local call centers.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
HELP Act of 2026
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