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Bill

HR 9401

Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 52 co-sponsors

Prohibits discrimination against individuals who need long-term services and supports, protecting access, rights, and equal treatment across settings.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9401

Summary of HR 9401 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is titled: “To prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities who need long-term services and supports, and for other purposes.”
  • Core aim: Prevent discrimination against people with disabilities who require long-term services and supports (LTSS). It seeks to ensure equal access, standing protections, and related supports for individuals navigating LTSS needs.

Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill’s title and typical scope of such measures)

  • Prohibition on discrimination: Establishes or reinforces protections against discrimination based on disability for individuals who rely on LTSS. This could apply in areas such as employment, housing, education, health care access, public accommodations, and program eligibility.
  • Scope of LTSS coverage: Addresses services and supports required over an extended period, potentially including in-home care, nursing facility care, community-based services, and other long-term care arrangements.
  • Enforcement and remedies: Likely outlines enforcement mechanisms (e.g., private right of action, administrative remedies, or oversight by federal agencies) and potential remedies for discrimination (e.g., injunctive relief, damages, civil penalties, or back pay).
  • Definitions: Provides definitions for key terms such as “disability,” “long-term services and supports,” “discrimination,” and related entities (providers, employers, insurers, programs).
  • Interagency coordination: May require actions by federal agencies (e.g., Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, Department of Justice) to implement, monitor, or enforce nondiscrimination standards.
  • Accessibility and accommodations: Could include requirements for reasonable accommodations, accessible program design, and removal of barriers to LTSS access.
  • Studies or reporting: Possible provisions for reporting, data collection, and evaluation of LTSS discrimination cases, to inform future policy adjustments.

Who is affected

  • Individuals with disabilities who depend on long-term services and supports.
  • Employers, housing providers, healthcare providers, insurers, and program administrators that interact with LTSS-eligible populations.
  • Federal and state agencies responsible for health care, social services, civil rights, and disability rights enforcement.
  • LTSS providers and service organizations may be bound by nondiscrimination obligations in program participation and funding contexts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and to the Committee on the Judiciary for consideration of provisions within their jurisdiction.
  • Action history: As of the latest record, the bill has been introduced and assigned to committees for consideration. No final floor passage, markup, or enacted status is shown yet.
  • Potential for amendments: Given referral to multiple committees, provisions could be amended to address targeted aspects of nondiscrimination, enforcement, funding, or program design.

Additional context

  • The list of sponsors includes a broad cross-section of House members, indicating substantial legislative support and interest across party lines. The strong coalition suggests a comprehensive approach to universal nondiscrimination protections for LTSS users.
  • Without the full text, specifics such as exact definitions, enforcement mechanisms, funding authorizations, and implementation timelines remain to be clarified by committee deliberations and potential floor amendments.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to align with a particular policy angle (e.g., enforcement mechanics, funding implications, or impact on healthcare providers) once the bill’s full text and amendment details are available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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