What does Preamble of HEART Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an office to assist communities in providing mental health services to individuals experiencing fear-based trauma related to immigration law enforcement actions taken by Federal agencies, and for other purposes,' aims to establish an office within the Department of Health and Human Services. The office would be tasked with assisting communities in providing mental health services. The focus of these services is individuals experiencing fear-based trauma related to immigration law enforcement actions by federal agencies.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HEART Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Healing and Equity for Enforcement-Affected Residents and Trauma Act of 2026.

What does FAMILY STABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES of HEART Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the "Office of Immigrant Community Mental Health and Resilience" within the Office of the Secretary. The Office will be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. The Director's duties include carrying out programs and activities to assist communities impacted by immigration law enforcement actions, specifically addressing fear-based trauma. The Director will support impacted communities through mobile mental health response teams, emergency counseling vouchers, a mental health grant program, and guidance on Medicaid flexibilities. A process will be created for reporting immigration law enforcement actions, and an annual report on public health impacts will be submitted to Congress. The Director will support workforce development by facilitating the hiring of culturally competent behavioral health specialists and training healthcare providers. The Office will support community involvement through "know your rights" campaigns, public awareness campaigns, educational materials, and trauma-informed services. The Secretary will make grants to eligible entities to provide trauma-informed mental health services, crisis counseling, and other related support. Data collected by the Office is prohibited from being shared with the Department of Homeland Security or other agencies involved in immigration law enforcement.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HEART Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. A 'behavioral health specialist' is defined as a licensed professional providing behavioral health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and peer support specialists, as determined by the Secretary. The 'Director' refers to the Director of the Family Stability and Mental Health Support Office established under section 2. An 'eligible entity' can be a State or local government, Federally qualified health center, rural health clinic, Tribal health organization, local educational agency, faith-based organization, or community-based organization. An 'impacted community' is a local jurisdiction demonstrating Federal immigration enforcement actions within its borders. The term 'medically underserved community' has the meaning defined in section 799B of the Public Health Service Act. The 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of HEART Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes the transfer of funds from specified sources to the Secretary to carry out this Act. Funds may be transferred from amounts made available under sections 90003, 100051, and 100052 of Public Law 119-21. The transferred funds shall remain available until expended. This authorization overrides any other provision of law.

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HEART Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/18/2026 · Introduced: 6/18/2026

Author: Luz Rivas (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes the Office of Immigrant Community Mental Health and Resilience within the Department of Health and Human Services to provide mental health support and resources to communities impacted by immigration law enforcement actions.
It authorizes grants to eligible entities, such as local governments and community organizations, to offer trauma-informed mental health services, crisis counseling, and related support.
The bill prohibits the sharing of data collected by the Office with agencies involved in immigration law enforcement, including the Department of Homeland Security, and authorizes funding transfers to support these initiatives.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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