Supporting Grandfamilies Act of 2026
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The Supporting Grandfamilies Act of 2026 would amend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to reestablish and fund the National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies and Kinship Families. It appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2027, available through September 30, 2031, for the Department of Health and Human Services—acting through the Assistant Secretary for Aging, in consultation with the Administration for Children and Families—to operate the Center via a grant or contract. The bill sets out the Center's purpose, updates the list of activities it must perform (such as developing evidence-based practices, coordinating services, and supporting learning across states, territories, and tribal organizations), and adds requirements for the nonprofit organization chosen to run it, including demonstrated expertise and experience serving grandfamilies and kinship families.
The bill primarily affects grandparents and other relatives raising children outside the traditional foster care system ("grandfamilies" and "kinship families"), particularly those where the caregiver is 55 or older or the child has a disability. It also affects the community organizations, government programs, tribes, and tribal organizations that serve these families, who would receive training, coordination support, and resources through the Center.
The bill was introduced on July 21, 2026, by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici with several cosponsors and referred to the House Committees on Education and Workforce, Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been considered by committee or voted on; further committee action, potential amendments, and votes in the House and Senate would be needed before it could 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 July 21, 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. 9796 do?
- The Supporting Grandfamilies Act of 2026 would amend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to reestablish and fund the National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies and Kinship Families. It appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2027, available through September 30, 2031, for the Department of Health and Human Services—acting through the Assistant Secretary for Aging, in consultation with the Administration for Children and Families—to operate the Center via a grant or contract. The bill sets out the Center's purpose, updates the list of activities it must perform (such as developing evidence-based practices, coordinating services, and supporting learning across states, territories, and tribal organizations), and adds requirements for the nonprofit organization chosen to run it, including demonstrated expertise and experience serving grandfamilies and kinship families. The bill primarily affects grandparents and other relatives raising children outside the traditional foster care system ("grandfamilies" and "kinship families"), particularly those where the caregiver is 55 or older or the child has a disability. It also affects the community organizations, government programs, tribes, and tribal organizations that serve these families, who would receive training, coordination support, and resources through the Center. The bill was introduced on July 21, 2026, by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici with several cosponsors and referred to the House Committees on Education and Workforce, Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been considered by committee or voted on; further committee action, potential amendments, and votes in the House and Senate would be needed before it could become law.
- Has H.R. 9796 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 Jul 2026, H.R. 9796 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9796?
- H.R. 9796 was sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici [D-OR1] (Democrat-OR), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9796?
- Introduced (21 Jul 2026).
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