A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set up a program that gives funding to States for running a State Ombudsman Program. This program acts as a resource to offer information and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It also establishes a Federal Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families within the Department of Health and Human Services. States that receive allotments must establish an Office of the Ombudsman headed by a qualified State Ombudsman. The bill outlines duties for both state and federal ombudsmen, including complaint resolution, reporting, and confidentiality protections. Finally, the legislation authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +9
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill is specifically designed to establish federal and state ombudsman programs to advocate for, protect, and support individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Scored +8
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?
The legislation creates dedicated state and federal offices of the ombudsman to protect rights, resolve disputes, and ensure fair processes for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Scored +7
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill provides neutral dispute resolution mechanisms and strict confidentiality protections for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Access to Information and Support: Section 4(a)(3)(A) and Section 4(a)(3)(B) ensure that the State Ombudsman serves as an information source and provides direct assistance to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families navigate the process of obtaining services, supports, and opportunities tailored to their personal goals.
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Dispute Resolution and Neutral Advocacy: Section 4(a)(3)(C) and Section 4(a)(3)(D) provide information and communication strategies to help resolve disputes or disagreements with relevant departments regarding evaluations, placements, or services, while working neutrally and objectively to ensure a fair process.
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Protection from Interference and Retaliation: Section 4(j) makes it unlawful for facilities or other entities to willfully interfere with representatives of the Office or to retaliate against any resident, employee, or other person for filing a complaint, providing information, or cooperating with the Office.
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Confidentiality of Personal Information: Section 4(a)(4) and Section 4(d)(2) protect individuals by requiring the State Ombudsman and staff to maintain confidentiality and prohibiting the disclosure of personally identifiable information without proper written or oral consent, except when required by court order.
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Legal Protection for Good-Faith Performance: Section 4(i) ensures that no representative of the Office will be liable under State law for the good-faith performance of their official duties.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reporting Burdens and Bureaucratic Compliance: Section 4(h) requires the Office to prepare comprehensive annual written reports, collect and analyze data, and coordinate training, which could potentially result in administrative burdens or delays depending on state execution.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill is specifically designed to establish federal and state ombudsman programs to advocate for, protect, and support individuals with developmental disabilities. Would children be better off under this? — Children with developmental disabilities and their families benefit from dedicated ombudsman resources and support services established by the bill. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income households with members who have developmental disabilities receive free navigational support and advocacy to access vital state services. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults with developmental disabilities receive guidance and advocacy to help secure appropriate services and residential placements. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged family members and individuals benefit from dispute resolution and navigational assistance provided by the ombudsman programs. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class families facing administrative hurdles with disability services are provided with neutral dispute resolution and guidance. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Older individuals with developmental disabilities and aging caregivers gain access to supportive resources and advocacy.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill provides neutral dispute resolution mechanisms and strict confidentiality protections for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation requires comprehensive annual reporting, uniform statewide data collection on complaints, and public disclosures to enhance accountability. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill establishes a new Federal Office of the Ombudsman within the Department of Health and Human Services and directs federal allotments to states.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The legislation creates dedicated state and federal offices of the ombudsman to protect rights, resolve disputes, and ensure fair processes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By helping individuals with developmental disabilities and their families access appropriate services and support, the bill aids in reducing barriers to stability and well-being.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill establishes federal and state ombudsman programs to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in navigating and obtaining necessary services and healthcare supports.
- 11/2/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House