This bill, the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026, says people who need long-term services and supports (LTSS) have a federal right to live in the community and get services there instead of being placed in institutions, if they choose. It defines key terms (like what counts as community-based services, LTSS, and institution). The bill bars public entities and LTSS insurance providers from denying or limiting community-based LTSS for people eligible for institutional care. It lists specific kinds of discrimination the bill prohibits, such as eligibility rules, service caps, waiting lists, lack of housing, and failure to offer community options before institutionalization.
The bill requires the Department of Justice to enforce the law and the Department of Health and Human Services (through the Administration for Community Living) to review and approve state and provider transition plans. Agencies must write final regulations within 2 years. Public entities and LTSS insurance providers must complete self-evaluations within 36 months, submit transition plans within 54 months if they are not already in full compliance, and aim to meet the law's requirements no later than 12 years after enactment. The bill requires public participation, annual public reporting on progress, grievance procedures, and a designated staff person to coordinate compliance. It allows religious organizations to give service preference to members of their religion. It permits civil lawsuits by affected individuals and enforcement actions by the Attorney General. Courts may award damages, injunctive relief, and the Attorney General may assess civil penalties up to $100,000 for a first violation and $200,000 for subsequent violations.
No publicly available information.
The bill text states it aims to clarify and strengthen the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, speed state compliance with integration requirements, affirm a federal right to community-based LTSS, maximize individual control and independence, require enforceable transition plans, and identify and address disparities in community LTSS.
No publicly available information.