Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Introduced
Summary
A federal right to community-based long-term services and supports. The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026 would clarify the ADA integration mandate, affirm that people eligible for long-term services and supports have a federally protected right to live in the community, and require states and LTSS insurers to offer and provide community-based services that maximize individual choice and independence.
Show full summary
- People who need long-term services and supports would get a clear right to be offered community-based care before institutionalization and to receive hands-on assistance, health-related supports, and consumer-directed services that help them live independently.
- States and LTSS insurance providers would have to complete self-evaluations within 3 years and submit transition plans if needed, with approved plans implemented no later than 12 years; HHS and the Attorney General would issue rules, review plans, collect data, and enforce compliance.
- Public entities would be required to expand affordable, accessible integrated housing, fund home modifications, and fix payment rates and workforce supports so enough caregivers are available to support community living.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Offer community LTSS and supports
If enacted, public entities and LTSS insurers would have to offer community-based long-term services and supports (LTSS) to anyone who would otherwise qualify for institutional placement. If the person accepts the offer, the entity would have to provide the community-based services instead of institutional care. Covered entities would also have to ensure hands-on help, training, safety monitoring, backup supports, discharge planning that promotes community living, consumer-directed options, and programs to support informal caregivers. These requirements would take effect when the Attorney General issues final regulations (not later than 2 years after enactment).
Right to sue for community LTSS
If enacted, an individual with an LTSS disability could bring a federal civil action not earlier than 2 years after enactment if they face or reasonably expect a violation. A plaintiff who shows they are an individual with an LTSS disability and face a violation could get a court-appointed lawyer and proceed without fees in some cases. Courts could order damages, punitive damages, and immediate injunctive relief to prevent institutionalization, including orders to provide or keep community-based LTSS.
Provider planning, reporting, and complaints
If enacted, each public entity and LTSS insurer would have to finish a self-evaluation within 36 months that counts people with LTSS disabilities, breaks out race and other demographics, and reviews community capacity and transportation. If the self-evaluation shows noncompliance, the entity would submit a transition plan by 54 months with measurable goals, yearly targets, funding steps, and public participation. The Administrator must review plans quickly and approved plans must be implemented no later than 12 years after enactment. Entities would also have to name a compliance coordinator, publish contact information, and keep grievance procedures for prompt, fair complaint resolution.
More accessible housing for people with disabilities
If enacted, entities that fund or provide housing would have to improve access to affordable, accessible, integrated housing not tied to receipt of LTSS. They would work with state and local housing agencies, create preferences or set-asides where needed for people leaving or avoiding institutional care, and fund home modifications to support independent living. Priority would go first to people with LTSS disabilities who have the lowest incomes until capacity gaps are fixed.
Federal enforcement, penalties, and rules
If enacted, the Attorney General would have authority to investigate alleged violations, do periodic compliance reviews, and sue in federal court for patterns of violations. Courts could assess civil penalties up to $100,000 for a first violation and up to $200,000 for a later violation. The Attorney General would also have to issue final implementing regulations not later than 2 years after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
CO • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
RI • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
WI • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
HI • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
CO • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
VA • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
RI • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 8/6/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov