Sponsors (8)
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
The bill would substantially expand and federally fund coordinated 211 referral and crisis services — improving access, accessibility, and infrastructure for underserved and vulnerable Americans — but does so by increasing federal spending and imposing eligibility, matching, and administrative requirements that may exclude or strain smaller local providers and shift some funds to administration.
Residents in every State — especially low-income people, rural communities, seniors, veterans, and people in crisis — gain easier, more coordinated access to 211 referrals and integrated crisis pathways through stronger connections between 211, 988, and 911.
Underserved States and communities will receive larger or targeted grant shares through a needs-based allocation and grant priorities, directing more federal dollars to high-poverty and low-access areas.
People with disabilities will get better access to 211 services because grantees must meet ADA, Section 508, and related accessibility standards across phone, text, and internet channels.
Taxpayers nationwide bear higher federal spending — the authorization of $250M/year (FY2026–FY2032) increases federal outlays and could crowd out other budget priorities.
New certification, reporting, evaluation, reapplication, and coordination requirements will create significant administrative burden and compliance costs for states, local governments, hospitals, and 211 providers, which can divert staff time from service delivery.
Smaller, local, or non-501(c) nonprofits and some community providers risk being excluded or disadvantaged because the program centralizes eligibility and favors statewide coordinating networks, imposes accreditation/standard requirements, and limits some applicants.
Based on analysis of 6 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes a federal grant program and $250M/year (FY2026–FY2032) to expand, coordinate, and promote statewide 211 information-and-referral services and link 211 with 911/988.
Creates a new federal program at HHS to expand, coordinate, and promote 211 information-and-referral services nationwide. The program funds state-level 211 networks and local providers, improves coordination among 211, 988, and 911 systems, requires accessibility standards, and supports public awareness and data coordination. Authorizes $250 million per year for FY2026–FY2032 and directs HHS to select a national nonprofit to administer grants, conduct evaluations, run outreach campaigns, and allocate funds to qualified 211 entities using a formula based on population, poverty, density, and other need indicators.