## Legislative bill overview

The bill H.R. 215 aims to amend the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of a national registry of individuals with disabilities. This registry is intended to assist in the management of federal benefits and services, improve data collection, and enhance access to support systems for individuals with disabilities. The bill outlines the requirements for data collection, privacy protections, and the responsibilities of various federal agencies in maintaining the registry.

## Why is this important

This legislation seeks to create a centralized system that could streamline the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities, potentially reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and improving access to essential resources. By having a national registry, policymakers can better understand the needs of this population, allocate resources more effectively, and develop targeted initiatives to support individuals with disabilities. Moreover, the bill emphasizes data privacy, which is crucial in protecting sensitive personal information.

## Potential points of contention

• Concerns over privacy and data security, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive personal information.


• The feasibility and cost of implementing and maintaining the registry, including potential burdens on state and local agencies.


• Potential bureaucratic overreach and the risk of stigmatization associated with being listed in a national registry.


• Questions about the accuracy of the data collected and the potential for misuse in terms of service eligibility and access.


• Debate over the effectiveness of a national registry in genuinely improving services versus creating additional layers of complexity in the system.