A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 10 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
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
This bill is called the Senior Legal Hotline Act of 2025. It amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to create a national network of statewide senior legal hotlines. The Assistant Secretary is authorized to award competitive grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and partnerships. These grants help establish or operate statewide hotlines that provide free legal services to older individuals. The bill authorizes $10,000,000 to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +8
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The legislation directly creates a national network of statewide senior legal hotlines to provide free legal services to older individuals.
- Scored +8
Would retired people be better off under this?
Retirees benefit substantially from free statewide legal hotlines providing advice and representation on civil issues.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets older individuals with the greatest economic and social need for free legal assistance.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Free legal services for seniors: Under section 753(a)(1)(A)(i) and section 753(a)(2)(C), eligible entities must provide legal assistance and services to older individuals at no cost. This helps seniors access legal help without financial burden.
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Targeting those in greatest need: According to section 753(a)(2)(D) and section 753(d)(6), the hotlines are required to serve older individuals with the greatest social and economic need as a target population. This ensures that vulnerable seniors receive necessary outreach and support.
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Coordinated referrals for extensive help: Section 753(a)(2)(E) and section 753(d)(5) require hotlines to develop partnerships and establish mechanisms for referrals. This ensures that older individuals who need more extensive services, such as legal representation, can successfully access it through other legal aid agencies, pro bono private attorneys, or advocacy programs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Matching fund requirements for organizations: Under section 753(c)(2)(C), an eligible entity applying for a grant must provide non-Federal funds or in-kind contributions equal to at least 25 percent of the estimated grant amount. This matching requirement could place a financial or administrative burden on nonprofit organizations trying to secure funding.
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 retired people be better off under this? — Retirees benefit substantially from free statewide legal hotlines providing advice and representation on civil issues. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The legislation directly creates a national network of statewide senior legal hotlines to provide free legal services to older individuals. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets older individuals with the greatest economic and social need for free legal assistance.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill expands access to legal advice, counseling, and representation for older individuals.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill helps low-income and vulnerable seniors access critical free legal assistance and social services.
- 9/24/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Jahana HayesDemocrat · Connecticut
Pablo HernándezDemocrat · Puerto Rico
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Ilhan OmarDemocrat · Minnesota
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada