Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act
Latest action (1 Oct 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
This bill, H.R. 10659, aims to prevent individuals with disabilities from losing federally supported benefits when they campaign for elected office. Specifically, it proposes that any work performed by a qualified individual as a candidate for federal, state, or local office, and any money they receive for that work, would not be counted when determining their eligibility for or the amount of benefits they receive.
The bill defines a "qualified individual" as someone who is entitled to benefits under specific parts of the Social Security Act due to a disability. This means the legislation would directly affect individuals with disabilities who are currently receiving federal benefits and wish to run for public office. It ensures that their campaign activities and earnings from those activities would not jeopardize their access to these benefits.
H.R. 10659 was introduced in the House of Representatives on October 1, 2026, by Representative Madeleine Dean. It has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The bill has not yet progressed beyond this stage and would need to be passed by both the House and the Senate before it could be sent to the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on October 1, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10659 do?
- This bill, H.R. 10659, aims to prevent individuals with disabilities from losing federally supported benefits when they campaign for elected office. Specifically, it proposes that any work performed by a qualified individual as a candidate for federal, state, or local office, and any money they receive for that work, would not be counted when determining their eligibility for or the amount of benefits they receive. The bill defines a "qualified individual" as someone who is entitled to benefits under specific parts of the Social Security Act due to a disability. This means the legislation would directly affect individuals with disabilities who are currently receiving federal benefits and wish to run for public office. It ensures that their campaign activities and earnings from those activities would not jeopardize their access to these benefits. H.R. 10659 was introduced in the House of Representatives on October 1, 2026, by Representative Madeleine Dean. It has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The bill has not yet progressed beyond this stage and would need to be passed by both the House and the Senate before it could be sent to the President to become law.
- Has H.R. 10659 become law?
- Not yet. As of 1 Oct 2026, H.R. 10659 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10659?
- H.R. 10659 was sponsored by Rep. Madeleine Dean [D-PA4] (Democrat-PA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10659?
- Introduced (1 Oct 2026).
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