HELP Act of 2026
Rep. McGarvey Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand 211 Health and Human Services Hotline
The HELP Act of 2026 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It was recently introduced and sent to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review. The bill is actively moving forward as it waits for the committee to discuss its next steps.
Legislative Progress
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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Impact Analysis
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Life & Work
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.”
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Disabilities
Milestones
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.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
5 articlesBipartisan HELP Act Introduced to Strengthen 211 and 988 Coordination
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.
Ohio community groups lead 211 hotline expansion statewide
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.
New Federal Bill Aims to Divert Social Service Calls from 911 to 211
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.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
HELP Act of 2026
Data Sources
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Cosponsors
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