Alliance Alert: Passing the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (H.R. 2708) is essential to upholding the civil rights of individuals with disabilities by guaranteeing their right to live independently and access community-based services of their choice. This critical legislation reinforces the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead decision, ensuring equitable access to long-term supports while promoting dignity, autonomy, and full participation in society. Key objectives of the bill include strengthening the Integration Mandate established by the Omstead v. Lois Curtis Supreme Court decision, affirming the right to community-based care for long term services and supports (LTSS), ensuring states offer LTSS in the community, addressing disparities in community-based care, and requiring states to develop enforceable plans to transition individuals from institutions to community settings- known as Omstead Plans.
While Congress is no expected to pass many bills during the last few weeks before the new administration takes over, this is one of a few bipartisan efforts which can still be pushed across the line before the end of the current session. Use the action alert below, from the New York Association on Independent Living and the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), to urge your representatives to sign the discharge petition to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. We must do everything we can to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure people can access community-based care in their neighborhoods of choice. Make your voice heard today!
From the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL):
We have an immediate opportunity to advance the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (H.R. 2708).
A discharge petition has been filed to bring this legislation to the House floor.
A discharge petition is a way for members of Congress to force a vote on a bill that has been stuck in committee. It helps break deadlock and forces a bill to the floor. If 218 Representatives sign the discharge petition, the House of Representatives will debate and vote on the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act.
About H.R. 2708
The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act seeks to protect individuals with disabilities who require long-term services and supports (LTSS) by strengthening their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Key provisions include:
- Ensuring individuals can access community-based LTSS in the most integrated settings.
- Prohibiting discrimination in LTSS delivery.
- Mandating states to create enforceable plans to transition individuals from institutional settings.
- Addressing disparities in LTSS access.
- Enhancing independent living opportunities.
What You Can Do
Check the Signers:
View the list of Representatives who have signed the discharge petition (https://bit.ly/40Ofm0I). If your Representative hasn’t signed, it’s crucial to contact them and urge them to act. You can find out who your Representative is at house.gov.
Contact Your Legislator:
Urge your Representative to sign the discharge petition and support H.R. 2708 (https://bit.ly/4hOUxs0).