Bill · H.R. 8620· House(119-HR-8620)
CARES Hotline Act
- Introduced
- 4/30/2026
- Last activity
- 4/30/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Robert Menendez
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "CARES Hotline Act," seeks to amend the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. It proposes the establishment of a national hotline specifically for caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. The hotline is intended to provide emotional support, information, and mental health resources. It would be available 24/7 via voice and text. The Secretary would maintain this service directly or through grants and contracts with eligible nonprofit organizations. The bill also authorizes funding for this initiative over several fiscal years.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+7
The bill establishes a 24/7 hotline that provides mental health resources and crisis support for caregivers.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+6
The bill indirectly benefits people with disabilities by providing their caregivers with tools to access better in-home and community supports.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+6
The bill provides specific support services, information, and resource navigation for caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Immediate Support Access: The creation of a 24/7 toll-free hotline provides caregivers with real-time emotional support, information, and mental health resources (Section 2(a) and 2(b)).
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Professional and Peer Assistance: The hotline will be staffed by trained professionals and peer-to-peer staff to assist caregivers (Section 2(b)(4) and 2(b)(5)).
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Resource Navigation: The service will provide referral services to various local, State, and Federal resources, including crisis support and in-home supports (Section 2(b)(6)).
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Comprehensive Information: The mandate to develop and regularly update a national database ensures caregivers have access to current services, supports, and resources (Section 2(c)(2)).
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Increased Visibility: National outreach, a public-facing website, and promotional materials will help raise awareness of these available services (Section 2(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For Low Income Households+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+6
- 5/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/30/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
J. CorreaDemocrat · California
Jahana HayesDemocrat · Connecticut
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Bennie ThompsonDemocrat · Mississippi
Frederica WilsonDemocrat · Florida