Bill · S. 4195· Senate(119-S-4195)
Kira Johnson Act
- Introduced
- 3/25/2026
- Last activity
- 3/25/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Raphael Warnock
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Kira Johnson Act aims to prevent maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, particularly among Black and underserved populations. It establishes sustained funding for community-based organizations to advance maternal health equity through various programs and resources. The bill provides grants for training all employees in maternity care settings to reduce bias, racism, and discrimination. Additionally, it creates a framework for hospitals and health systems to implement respectful maternity care compliance programs. The legislation also mandates studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these training and compliance efforts. Finally, it includes oversight through reports from the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the GAO.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would women be better off under this?+9
The bill is specifically designed to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce mortality for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill targets the reduction of maternal mortality and racial bias that disproportionately impacts Black populations.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+8
The bill explicitly aims to reduce racism, bias, and discrimination in maternity care through training, compliance programs, and community grants.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Community Organizations: The bill awards grants to community-based organizations to establish or expand programs that improve maternal health outcomes for specific demographic groups (Section 2).
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Enhanced Maternal Health Resources: Funding may support diverse resources such as maternal mental health and substance use disorder treatments, pregnancy and parenting education, and support for those experiencing pregnancy loss (Section 2).
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Midwifery Support: The bill allows for grants to support midwifery practices, including providing financial support for education, debts, and training (Section 2).
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Improved Care Standards: Grants are available to promote respectful, culturally and linguistically congruent, and trauma-informed care in maternity settings (Section 3).
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Comprehensive Employee Training: Training can be applied to all employees in maternity care settings, including front desk staff and security, to reduce bias and racism (Section 3).
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Patient Accountability: The compliance programs allow patients and their families to report instances of racism or bias and receive follow-up from program representatives (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly detailed within 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 Women+9Good For African Americans+8Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Children+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5Increases Research Funding+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+8
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2
- 3/25/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California