HELP Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 27, 2026
Bottom line
The HELP Act of 2026 seeks to standardize and expand the 211 information and referral system across the United States, making it a more robust and integrated component of the nation's emergency and social service infrastructure.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the "Human-Services Emergency Logistics Program" (HELP Act) within the Department of Health and Human Services to enhance the nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services. It mandates the Secretary of HHS to select an administering agency to manage grants to qualified 211 service entities in each State, aiming to increase capacity, improve coordination with 911 and 988 services, and boost public awareness. The bill authorizes $250 million annually from FY2026 to FY2032 for these purposes.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill will create a more equitable and efficient system for individuals to access critical health and human services, especially during emergencies. By increasing coordination between 211, 911, and 988, it can divert non-emergency calls to appropriate resources, reducing strain on emergency services and ensuring people receive the right help. The public awareness campaign will ensure more people know about and utilize these vital services.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the federalization of a service traditionally managed at local or state levels, questioning whether a top-down approach is the most effective way to address diverse local needs. They might also scrutinize the administrative overhead of the administering agency and the potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in grant distribution and oversight.
The bill is relatively concise, allowing for a thorough understanding within a reasonable timeframe, making it accessible for informed evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of Nationwide 211 Services Program
This provision directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a program aimed at significantly improving 211 services across the United States. Its core goals are to ensure that 211 services are directly accessible to everyone in every state, to foster better collaboration between 211, 988 (mental health crisis), and 911 (emergency) services, and to make the public more aware of what 211 offers.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this foundational provision is essential for creating a unified, accessible, and effective national network of health and human services referrals, ensuring no one is left without a clear path to assistance.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that establishing a broad federal program could lead to over-standardization, potentially stifling local innovation or failing to adequately address unique regional needs that are better understood by local entities.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the benefits of national standardization and coordination versus the potential loss of local flexibility and responsiveness in service delivery.
Section 2(b), Section 3
Selection and Responsibilities of a National Administering Agency
This section outlines the process for the Secretary of HHS to select a single non-profit organization to manage the new 211 program. This administering agency must have specific experience in 211 services, disaster response, and federal grants. Its duties include advising on state allotments, awarding grants to local 211 entities, conducting evaluations of the national 211 network every five years, submitting annual reports, enhancing coordination among 211, 911, and 988, and running a public awareness campaign for 211 services.
Section 4
Funding for 211 Service Expansion and Operations
This provision details how the administering agency will distribute grants to qualified 211 service entities within each State to expand and improve services. Funds can be used for a wide range of activities, including operating 211 contact centers, increasing public awareness, coordinating services, upgrading infrastructure (software, hardware, cloud data), administrative costs like staffing and training, evaluating services, and fostering collaboration with 911 and 988. Recipients must also provide a 25% non-federal match.
Section 5
Key Definitions for 211 Services and Entities
This section provides crucial definitions for terms used throughout the Act, such as "211 service" (information and referrals for health and human services via various communication methods), "eligible 211 service provider" (nonprofit/governmental, free phone service, access to 211 dialing code), "qualified 211 service entity" (an eligible State 211 network or individual provider), and "eligible State 211 network" (a nonprofit representing all 211 providers in a state). It also broadly defines "health and human services" to include a wide array of support.
Section 6
Funding Authorization for the HELP Act
This provision authorizes the appropriation of $250,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2032 to carry out the activities outlined in the HELP Act. These funds are designated to remain available until expended, meaning they do not expire at the end of the fiscal year they are appropriated. Up to 10% of these funds can be reserved by the Secretary for the administering agency's administrative and coordinating activities.