Sponsors (8)
The bill funds and standardizes a nationwide expansion and technical integration of 211 to improve access and crisis coordination—particularly for underserved, rural, and disabled populations—while increasing federal spending and centralizing eligibility/administration in ways that may strain small local providers, reduce the share of dollars reaching direct services, and raise privacy and fiscal risks.
Residents in every State (especially low‑income and rural communities) will get expanded, coordinated 211 access to health and social services referrals across phone, text, and online channels, making it easier to find non‑emergency help.
People in crisis (mental‑health, substance use, domestic violence, homelessness) will benefit from better-integrated crisis response because the bill requires coordination between 211, 988, and 911 systems and health/human services.
People with disabilities will have improved access to 211 services because grantees must meet ADA, Section 508, and comparable accessibility requirements.
Taxpayers will fund a substantial new federal outlay ($250M/year) and the program’s expansion could increase long‑term federal costs.
Centralizing eligibility and funding through designated State coordinating entities and selected administering agencies risks excluding or disadvantaging smaller local centers and non‑501(c) or less‑resourced nonprofits from direct funding and decision‑making.
A significant share of authorized funds can be used for administration (up to ~7.5–10%), and States without statewide 211 networks may use part of their allocation for administrative setup—reducing the share reaching direct service providers.
Based on analysis of 6 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a federal grant program to expand/coordinate statewide 211 services and authorizes $250M/year for FY2026–FY2032.
Official title: To facilitate nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services in order to provide information and referral to all individuals in the United States for health and human services needs, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 27, 2026 by Morgan McGarvey · Last progress April 27, 2026
Creates a new federal program to expand, coordinate, and promote nationwide 211 information-and-referral services for health and human services. The Department of Health and Human Services will select a qualified nonprofit to administer grants to State 211 networks or providers, strengthen links among 211, 988, and 911, require accessibility and evaluation, and run a public awareness campaign. Authorizes $250 million per year for FY2026–FY2032 (available until expended), allows the Secretary to reserve up to 10% annually for administrative/coordinating costs, and requires grant recipients to provide at least a 25% non‑Federal match and meet service, coordination, and accessibility standards.