Federal RuleAug 21
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DOL Rewrites Disability Rules for 'Merit-Based Opportunity' Push
RuleLabor DepartmentFederal Contract Compliance Programs OfficeSignificant Wallet
119-hr-8620119th CongressWALLET
CARES Hotline Act
Sponsored By: Representative Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
Introduced
Summary
A national hotline for caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities would provide 24/7 toll-free voice and text support staffed by trained professionals and peer counselors, plus referrals and a national resource database.
Show full summary
- Families and caregivers would get real-time emotional support, brief interventions, and referrals to crisis services, adult services, transition programs, and in-home supports.
- Nonprofit service providers would be eligible for grants or contracts to run the hotline if they demonstrate national reach and experience navigating State systems, with priority for groups partnered with community organizations.
- State and local service networks would gain a regularly updated national database and a referral pathway, supported by national outreach and consultation with the RAISE Family Caregivers Act Advisory Council, and hotline staff must receive standardized training in caregiver support and culturally appropriate services.
*Authorizes $10.0 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 for the hotline, creating appropriations-level spending if funds are provided.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
National Hotline for Caregivers
If enacted, this bill would create a national, toll-free hotline for caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. The hotline would operate 24/7 and offer real-time voice and text support, emotional support, brief interventions, and referrals. Staff would receive standardized training and include peer-to-peer counselors. HHS could run the hotline or award grants or contracts to eligible nonprofit entities with national reach, with priority for groups partnered with community organizations. Grantees would keep a national database of local, State, and Federal supports, do outreach with a public website and materials, and consult the RAISE Family Caregivers Act Advisory Council. The Secretary would report to Congress not later than 1 year after enactment and annually afterward. The bill would authorize $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out the program.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]
FL • D
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
MS • D
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
CT • D
Sponsored 5/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov