HOPE Act of 2020
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (12 Mar 2020): Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Education and Labor, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
The HOPE Act of 2020 (H.R. 6217) would direct the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development to jointly authorize a series of pilot programs aimed at simplifying access to government and nonprofit assistance for low-income individuals. It would create "HOPE Account" pilots allowing participants to use smartphones or other devices—provided free or subsidized if needed—to learn about, apply for, and manage multiple benefit programs, savings accounts, tax credits, and bill payments in one place. It also authorizes "HOPE Action Plan" pilots, voluntary long-term agreements between individuals, government agencies, and nonprofits to support economic mobility, plus competitive grants and technology-development contracts to build the needed digital tools, which would be open-sourced.
The bill targets low-income individuals, including those below 200% of the poverty line, people facing food insecurity or homelessness, TANF recipients, and former foster or juvenile-justice youth. Eligible entities—states, local or Tribal governments, and nonprofits—could apply for grants (generally $250,000–$3,000,000) and technology contracts ($200,000–$4,500,000) to run projects from 2020 through 2025. The Act includes safeguards barring reduced benefits, increased eligibility burdens, data sales, or immigration-enforcement use of collected data.
Introduced March 12, 2020, by Rep. Joseph Morelle with Rep. McGovern, the bill was referred to several House committees, including Financial Services, Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Education and Labor, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary. It received no further action or vote before the end of the 116th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Health, Opportunity, and Personal Empowerment Act of 2020 or the HOPE Act of 2020
This bill establishes several Health, Opportunity, and Personal Empowerment (HOPE) pilot projects to improve economic security for individuals who meet income or other requirements. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development must collaborate on the projects and report to Congress on project implementation and outcomes.
The HOPE Accounts Pilots provide awards to certain nonprofits to assist eligible individuals in establishing HOPE accounts through banks, credit unions, or governmental agencies. Through technology platforms and other means, HOPE accounts must (1) provide access to specified financial services and information related to public benefits, health insurance, and other topics; and (2) facilitate activities such as applying for government benefits and filing taxes. HHS, in consultation with the other departments, must also hold a merit-based competition to award contracts to private businesses and nonprofits to develop technology applications and other tools for HOPE accounts.
Grants for the HOPE Action Plans Pilot Projects allow nonprofits to enter voluntary agreements with eligible individuals to carry out long-term plans related to improving economic security and upward mobility.
Timeline
12 Mar 2020
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Education and Labor, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6217 do?
- The HOPE Act of 2020 (H.R. 6217) would direct the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development to jointly authorize a series of pilot programs aimed at simplifying access to government and nonprofit assistance for low-income individuals. It would create "HOPE Account" pilots allowing participants to use smartphones or other devices—provided free or subsidized if needed—to learn about, apply for, and manage multiple benefit programs, savings accounts, tax credits, and bill payments in one place. It also authorizes "HOPE Action Plan" pilots, voluntary long-term agreements between individuals, government agencies, and nonprofits to support economic mobility, plus competitive grants and technology-development contracts to build the needed digital tools, which would be open-sourced. The bill targets low-income individuals, including those below 200% of the poverty line, people facing food insecurity or homelessness, TANF recipients, and former foster or juvenile-justice youth. Eligible entities—states, local or Tribal governments, and nonprofits—could apply for grants (generally $250,000–$3,000,000) and technology contracts ($200,000–$4,500,000) to run projects from 2020 through 2025. The Act includes safeguards barring reduced benefits, increased eligibility burdens, data sales, or immigration-enforcement use of collected data. Introduced March 12, 2020, by Rep. Joseph Morelle with Rep. McGovern, the bill was referred to several House committees, including Financial Services, Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Education and Labor, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary. It received no further action or vote before the end of the 116th Congress.
- Has H.R. 6217 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 6217. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6217?
- H.R. 6217 was sponsored by Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25] (D-NY), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6217?
- Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Education and Labor, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (12 Mar 2020).
Related bills in Social Welfare
Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act
Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act
Revising SSDI Disability Classifications Act
AACCENT Act
More bills from Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Improving Health Through Integrated Food and Nutrition Services at Federally Qualified Health Centers Act
Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026
No Payoffs for Pardons Act
AI Transparency in Elections Act of 2026
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.