Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026

Right to Community Integration: The bill establishes a protected right for eligible individuals to be integrated into their community and receive services there instead of in an institution (Section 2).

Increased Autonomy and Control: Provisions ensure that individuals have maximum control over their services and the ability to lead independent lives (Section s 2 and 6).

Improved Housing Options: The Act requires entities to improve community capacity for providing affordable, accessible, and integrated housing, including a process to fund necessary home modifications (Section 6).

Protection Against Discriminatory Policies: It prohibits specific actions such as using waiting lists to restrict access or imposing service caps that prevent people from receiving community-based support (Section 4).

Legal Recourse for Violations: Individuals or those acting on their behalf have the right to bring civil actions to seek relief, including damages or injunctions, if their rights are violated (Section 8).

Mandated Transition Timelines: Entities must submit transition plans and meet specific targets to move individuals from institutions to the community, which could impact current service structures (Section 6).

Financial and Administrative Burdens on Entities: Public entities and LTSS insurance providers are required to conduct self-evaluations, establish task forces, and implement various new service and reporting requirements (Section 5 and 6).