State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7990
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-03T12:08:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act (H.R. 7990) aims to integrate disability rights into U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy. It promotes global accessibility, equality, and protection for people with disabilities through formal policies, an enhanced office at the State Department, training, hiring practices, facility improvements, and fellowships.
Key Provisions
- Formal Disability Policy (Sec. 2): Requires the Secretary of State to develop and publish a policy within 180 days to advance disability rights via diplomacy and foreign aid, with consultations from U.S. missions, disabled individuals, NGOs, and others; updates the Foreign Affairs Manual.
- Office of International Disability Rights (Sec. 3): Mandates establishment of the office (previously optional), headed by a Senate-confirmed Ambassador-at-Large; adds duties like policy coordination, data collection on spending, interagency rotations, and exchanges. Requires a comprehensive strategy within 1 year and annual reports to Congress. Authorizes $6 million annually (FY2026–2030).
- Hiring and Accessibility (Sec. 4): Directs equal hiring and assignment opportunities for State Department employees and staff with disabilities; ensures embassies/comsulates comply with U.S. accessibility standards (e.g., websites, facilities, contractors hiring disabled workers), referencing laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act.
- Training (Sec. 5): Mandates disability policy training for all State Department personnel and chiefs of mission, covering policy development, compliance, local engagement, and humanitarian needs; amends Foreign Service Act to include country-specific disability risks.
- Reporting (Sec. 6): Requires annual reports/briefings to Congress on implementation, including progress, gaps, data collection, and legislative recommendations.
- Judy Heumann Fellowship (Sec. 7): Creates a fellowship program placing State personnel (2+ per year) with disability-led NGOs for 6–12 months to build expertise; includes UN Convention study and conference attendance; annual reports; funding as needed.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 5104 of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2021 to make the Office of International Disability Rights mandatory ("shall" vs. "should"), expands its purpose/duties (e.g., adds data coordination, interagency details, strategy), and strengthens leadership/funding.
- Amends Foreign Service Act of 1980 to require disability training for officers.
- Introduces new requirements for strategy, fellowships, and detailed accessibility/hiring compliance not previously mandated.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: State Department must invest in policy, training, facilities, and staffing, with $6M+ funding; improves coordination with USAID and other agencies on foreign aid.
- Citizens: Enhances job/access opportunities for U.S. personnel and families with disabilities at missions abroad; promotes inclusive workplaces.
- International Relations: Elevates U.S. advocacy for disability rights in diplomacy, aid, and partnerships, potentially influencing target countries/regions and aligning with global standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Department of State (primary implementer, including Under Secretary for Management, Ambassador-at-Large).
- People with disabilities (U.S. employees, families, global beneficiaries via aid/diplomacy).
- NGOs, civil society, and international organizations (consulted, partnered, fellowship hosts).
- Congress (receives reports/strategies).
- Foreign partners/allies (e.g., combat-injured locals, target countries for aid).
- Contractors and local staff at U.S. missions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on existing laws (e.g., Rehabilitation Act, ADA) by enforcing compliance abroad; mandates Senate-confirmed Ambassador-at-Large, ensuring accountability.
- Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection principles; no direct challenges noted.
- Political: Signals strong U.S. commitment to disability rights as a foreign policy priority, potentially boosting soft power and human rights leadership; requires congressional oversight via reports, with budgetary authorizations promoting sustained funding.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-03-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act — issued 2026-03-18 — PDF (20 pages)