Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2022

Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2022

This bill prohibits government entities and insurance providers from denying community-based services to individuals with disabilities that require long-term service or support that would enable such individuals to live in the community and lead an independent life.

Specifically, these entities may not discriminate against such individuals in the provision of community-based services by such actions as imposing prohibited eligibility criteria, cost caps, or waiting lists or failing to provide a specific community-based service. Additionally, community-based services must be offered to individuals with such disabilities prior to institutionalization. Institutionalized individuals must be notified regularly of community-based alternatives.

The bill requires the Department of Justice to issue regulations requiring government entities and insurance providers to offer community-based long-term services to individuals with such disabilities who would otherwise qualify for institutional placement. Government entities must ensure sufficient availability of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing that is not a disability-specific residential setting or a setting where services are tied to tenancy.

Regulations shall also (1) require government entities and insurance providers to perform self-evaluation on current services, policies, and practices and concerning compliance with requirements of this bill; and (2) require government entities to submit a transition plan. The bill provides funds for FY2022 for the Department of Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance with respect to transition plans.

The bill allows civil actions by individuals subjected to, or about to be subjected to, a violation of its requirements.

Bill 117 HR 6860, also known as the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to address issues related to criminal justice reform and the rights of individuals who have been wrongfully convicted.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a commission to review cases of individuals who claim to have been wrongfully convicted. This commission would be tasked with investigating these cases and determining whether there is sufficient evidence to support the claims of innocence. If the commission finds that an individual has been wrongfully convicted, they would be eligible for compensation for their time served.

Additionally, the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2022 includes provisions aimed at improving the reentry process for individuals who have been released from prison. This includes access to job training programs, mental health services, and other resources to help individuals successfully reintegrate into society. Overall, the bill seeks to address issues of wrongful conviction and provide support for individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is a necessary step towards ensuring justice and fairness for all individuals.