H.R. 10660: Accessibility and Inclusion to Diversify Local Government Leadership Act

This bill would create a federal grant program to help local governments pay for accommodations needed by local elected or appointed officials with disabilities so they can do their official jobs.

What the grants could pay for

Grant money could be used for things like:

• changes to office spaces or public meeting spaces to make them accessible;
• specialized software;
• communication support, such as sign language interpreters;
• transportation for official work events, but not for commuting; and
• other assistive technology devices and services needed for the job.

Who could receive grants

The grants would go to local governments in states or tribal areas if they have an elected or appointed local official with a disability who needs accommodations. The bill focuses on jurisdictions that are:

• in rural areas;
• in places with fewer than 10,000 people; or
• in places with 10,000 to under 200,000 people and a poverty rate of at least 18 percent.

How the program would work

The Secretary of Labor, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy, would run the program. Grants would be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the money runs out.

Each grant would be between $3,000 and $50,000 per year, and the grant period would generally last for the length of the official’s first term plus two additional years.

Local funding requirement

To qualify, a local government would have to provide matching non-federal funds equal to at least 25% of the grant amount each year. Those matching funds would go into a dedicated reasonable-accommodations account. The local government would also have to keep funding that account for at least four years after the grant ends, and use it only for accommodations for local officials with disabilities.

Application and reporting

Applicants would have to describe the official’s job, the accommodations needed, and the budget for them. They would also have to agree to use the funds only for this purpose and submit annual reports.

The Department of Labor would have to prepare an annual report to Congress on the program, including how many applications were received, how many grants were awarded, what kinds of communities received funding, what kinds of positions were supported, and what types of accommodations were paid for.

Funding

The bill authorizes $5 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2033. Up to 1% of that amount could be used for administration.

Relevant Companies

None found