John Boozman
Senator for Arkansas · Republican · United States
“Her exceptional performance, sound judgment, and steadfast dedication earned her some of the Air Force Reserve's most significant leadership opportunities. I had the privilege of getting to know Megan when she served in my office as my Defense fellow in 2018.”
“Her exceptional performance, sound judgment, and steadfast dedication earned her some of the Air Force Reserve's most significant leadership opportunities. I had the privilege of getting to know Megan when she served in my office as my Defense fellow in 2018.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4182-S4183] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT MEGAN W. PARROTT Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4182-S4183] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT MEGAN W. PARROTT Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr.”
“She currently serves as the strategic communications advisor to the Chief of the Air Force Reserve, where she oversees the development and coordination of strategic communications that advance the Reserve's priorities and strengthen engagement with Congress, community partners, and other key stakeholders.”
“She currently serves as the strategic communications advisor to the Chief of the Air Force Reserve, where she oversees the development and coordination of strategic communications that advance the Reserve's priorities and strengthen engagement with Congress, community partners, and other key stakeholders.”
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“``(5) Reservation.--From the total of the amounts made available for a fiscal year under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 303(b) and in section 311(e), the Assistant Secretary shall reserve an amount equal to not more than 1 percent to carry out activities described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.”
“``(4) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, and annually thereafter, the Assistant Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate and the Committee on Education and [[Page S4083]] Workforce of the House of Representatives describing any activities carried out under paragraph (1), an assessment of the outcomes of such activities using rigorous methodologies, and recommendations for inclusion of any successful innovative approaches within nutrition programs established under this Act.”
“``(3) Priority.--In selecting eligible entities for grants under this subsection, the Assistant Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities proposing to carry out a grant in 1 or more rural areas.”
“``(2) Eligibility.--In order to be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1), an entity shall-- ``(A) be-- ``(i) a State agency, an area agency on aging, an Indian Tribe, a Tribal organization, or another public or nonprofit private entity, including a nutrition service provider, a multipurpose senior center, a health care entity, or an institution of higher education; or ``(ii) a partnership between any entities described in clause (i); and ``(B) submit an application at such time and in such manner as the Assistant Secretary may require, including-- ``(i) a description of an innovative approach referred to in paragraph (1) that the entity proposes to implement under the grant; ``(ii) a plan for evaluating the effectiveness, including cost-effectiveness, of the innovative approach proposed; and ``(iii) a plan for the publication of the results of such evaluation.”
“``(a) Demonstration To Reduce Hunger, Food Insecurity, and Malnutrition.-- ``(1) In general.--From funds available under paragraph (5), the Assistant Secretary shall make grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities, to achieve the purposes of section 330(1) by developing, testing, implementing, and evaluating innovative local or regional approaches to improve the quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and outcomes of nutrition projects and services described in sections 311, 331, and 336.”
“(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study under this section. SEC. 304. INNOVATIONS IN NUTRITION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. Subpart 3 of part C of title III (42 U.S.C. 3030g-21 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 340. INNOVATIONS IN NUTRITION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.”
“(b) Inclusions.--The study under this section-- (1) shall-- (A) include an assessment of how States and Tribal organizations use funding provided under the Program, including the degree to which States and Tribal organizations use such funding to procure food products from local or regional producers for meals supported under the Program; and (B) identify any challenges or barriers to increasing the use of local and regional producers under the Program; and (2) may make recommendations related to improving the effectiveness of the Program, including with respect to the use of local and regional producers.”
“A State electing to allow use of funds under the preceding sentence shall-- ``(i) ensure that such allowable use complements the delivery of services through the congregate meals program under section 331; and ``(ii) notify the Assistant Secretary of such election, including a description of the amount and percentage of funds received by such State under subpart 1 of part C to be used for such purposes.''. SEC. 303. GAO STUDY ON NUTRITION SERVICES INCENTIVE PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to evaluate the Nutrition Services Incentive Program under section 311 (42 U.S.C. 3030a) (referred to in this section as the ``Program'').”
“(d) Nutrition Services Purposes.--Section 330(3) (42 U.S.C. 3030d-21(3)) is amended by inserting ``, tailored to their individual medical and nutritional needs to the extent feasible,'' after ``services''. SEC. 302. GRAB-AND-GO MEALS. Section 308(b)(4) (42 U.S.C. 3028(b)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(E) A State may elect in its plan under section 307 to allow use of not more than 25 percent of the funds received by such State under subpart 1 of part C, calculated after any transfers under subparagraphs (A) and (B) are completed, to make meals available at congregate meal sites or other community locations for consumption by older individuals outside such sites and locations, such as carry-out or similar meals.”
“(a) Definitions.--Section 102(14) (42 U.S.C. 3002(14)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, which may include counseling related to the provision of medically tailored meals,'' after ``counseling''; and (2) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``(including from medically tailored meals)'' after ``improved nutrition''. (b) Administration of Nutrition Services.--Section 205(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 3016(a)(2)(A)) is amended-- (1) in clause (vi), by inserting ``, including through the use of innovative approaches'' after ``systems''; and (2) in clause (viii), by inserting ``and innovative interventions'' after ``including strategies''. (c) Nutrition Education.--Section 214(2)(C) (42 U.S.C. 3020e(2)(C)) is amended by inserting ``, including interventions,'' after ``other activities''.”
“3002)) and other relevant stakeholders are aware of, and, subject to applicable eligibility criteria, have access to, Federal programs relating to digital literacy and the adoption of broadband that may support healthy aging and aging in place for older individuals. (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall prepare, and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the Special Committee on Aging, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives, a report regarding any coordination efforts carried out pursuant to subsection (a). TITLE III--ENHANCING INNOVATION AND FLEXIBILITY IN NUTRITION SERVICES SEC. 301. MEDICALLY TAILORED MEALS.”
“(c) Submission.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives the report required by subsection (a). SEC. 209. IMPROVING BROADBAND COORDINATION AND REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION. (a) In General.--The Assistant Secretary shall, as appropriate, coordinate with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to ensure that the aging network (as defined in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.”
“(b) Inclusion.--The report described under subsection (a) shall include-- (1) an assessment of physical and mental health outcomes of older individuals who live in the settings described in subsection (a)(1) in comparison to physical and mental health outcomes of older individuals who do not live in such settings; (2) an assessment of the extent to which living in such settings mitigates social isolation and loneliness in older individuals; and (3) a description of the different types of such settings and whether, and to what extent, findings under paragraphs (1) and (2) vary across such different types.”
“SEC. 208. REPORT RELATING TO HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH OR NEAR FAMILY MEMBERS. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall prepare a report that assesses-- (1) the health outcomes for older individuals who live with, on the same property as, or otherwise in the community in close geographic proximity, relative to the area, to family members; and (2) the degree to which programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) promote living in the settings described in paragraph (1), as appropriate.”
“SEC. 207. MULTIGENERATIONAL AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. Section 417 (42 U.S.C. 3032f) is amended-- [[Page S4082]] (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``projects,'' and all that follows through ``to--'' and inserting the following: ``projects to serve individuals in younger generations and older individuals by developing, carrying out, and promoting participation in multigenerational activities to--''; (B) in paragraph (2), by adding ``and'' at the end; (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``opportunities for older individuals to become a mentor to individuals in younger generations; and'' and inserting ``opportunities-- ``(A) for older individuals to become mentors to individuals in younger generations; and ``(B) at facilities that serve older individuals or individuals in younger generations, at which multigenerational activities might occur.''; and (D) by striking paragraph (4); (2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``(4)'' and inserting ``(3)''; (3) in subsection (d)-- (A) by striking paragraph (1); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively; (4) in subsection (g)-- (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``of enactment of the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020,'' and inserting ``on which the first grant is awarded under this section following the date of enactment of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025,''; and (B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate'' and inserting ``the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives''; and (5) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``or a family support program.'' and inserting ``or a family support program, or a program at a multipurpose senior center, long-term care facility, or any other residential facility for older individuals.''.”
“3030d(a)(4)) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting ``(A) to assist older individuals in obtaining and maintaining adequate housing, including residential repair and renovation projects, and (if assistance for weatherization projects does not unnecessarily duplicate other Federal assistance available) weatherization projects, designed to enable older individuals to maintain their homes in conformity with minimum housing and (as applicable and appropriate) other relevant standards, in order to support such older individuals in aging in place and maintaining their health;''. SEC. 206. NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER FOR ENGAGING OLDER ADULTS. Section 411(a)(18) (42 U.S.C. 3032(a)(18)) is amended by inserting ``, such as providing appropriate training, resources, and best practices to the aging network'' after ``older individuals''.”
“(b) Area Agency on Aging Plans.--Section 306(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 3026(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``, including those services provided at multipurpose senior centers, where appropriate'' before the semicolon at the end. (c) State Plans.--Section 307(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 3027(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``and, to the extent feasible, make such evaluation public'' before the semicolon at the end. SEC. 205. ADDRESSING HOME MODIFICATIONS. (a) Indoor Air Quality.--Section 361(c) (42 U.S.C. 3030m(c)) is amended by striking ``buildings'' and all that follows and inserting ``buildings and residences where older individuals congregate or live''. (b) Weatherization.--Section 321(a)(4) (42 U.S.C.”
“(a) Technical Assistance.--The Assistant Secretary, at the request of a State agency (as defined in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002)) or area agencies on aging, may provide technical assistance on the requirements of evidence-based programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.). (b) Consideration.--The Assistant Secretary may consider whether there are evidence-informed practices, based on the best available science, that may improve health outcomes. SEC. 204. ENHANCING MULTIPURPOSE SENIOR CENTERS. (a) In General.--Section 202(a)(30) (42 U.S.C. 3012(a)(30)) is amended by inserting ``, access to services provided at multipurpose senior centers, and (where appropriate) the establishment and maintenance of multipurpose senior centers'' before the semicolon at the end.”
“3013(c)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (6)(B)-- (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (B) in clause (iii), by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(iv) strategies to address social isolation, including by promoting strong and stable connections across different generations in a family and in the community;''; and (2) in paragraph (7), as amended by section 114(3)-- (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: ``(C) contains an assessment of the effectiveness of relevant Federal efforts and programs, including implementation of best practices described in paragraph (6)(B); and''. SEC. 203. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS.”
“3032(a)(15)) is amended to read as follows: ``(15) bringing to scale and sustaining evidence-based falls prevention programs to reduce the number of falls, fear of falling, and fall-related injuries affecting older individuals, including older individuals with disabilities, which shall-- ``(A) provide training and technical assistance to the aging network; and ``(B) share best practices with the aging network, including the Aging and Disability Resource Centers;''. (c) Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities.--Section 203(c) (42 U.S.C.”
“3011) is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)(3)(B), by striking ``in behalf'' and inserting ``on behalf''; and (2) in subsection (g)-- (A) in paragraph (3)(A)(ii), by inserting ``reduction of health care expenditures,'' after ``quality of life,''; and (B) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``and recommendations relating to further research, evaluation, and demonstration projects conducted under this section'' after ``title IV''. (b) Falls Prevention Programs.--Section 411(a)(15) (42 U.S.C.”
“3002(14)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``heart rate, respiratory function,'' after ``hearing,''; (2) in subparagraph (K), by inserting ``providing'' before ``information''; (3) by redesignating subparagraphs (L), (M), (N), and (O), as subparagraphs (M), (N), (O), and (P), respectively; (4) by inserting after subparagraph (K) the following: ``(L) providing information concerning testing, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases, taking into consideration infectious diseases for which older individuals are at increased risk of infection or serious health outcomes;''; and (5) in subparagraph (P), as so redesignated, by striking ``subparagraphs (A) through (N)'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A) through (O)''. SEC. 202. IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES. (a) Research and Evaluation Activities.--Section 201 (42 U.S.C.”
“3033a(b)(1)), by striking ``Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate'' and inserting ``Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives''. TITLE II--IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES AND ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS SEC. 201. DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION SERVICES. Section 102(14) (42 U.S.C.”
“3012(b)(8)(E)), by striking ``preventative health benefits under the provisions of, and amendments made by, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003'' and inserting ``preventive health benefits under such program''; (3) in section 203(c)(7) (42 U.S.C. 3013(c)(7))-- (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives'' and inserting ``the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives''; and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``chairman'' and inserting ``chairperson''; (4) in section 339 (42 U.S.C. 3030g-21), by striking ``this chapter'' each place it appears and inserting ``this part''; and (5) in section 432(b)(1) (42 U.S.C.”
“``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. ``(3) State.--The term `State' means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.''. SEC. 114. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS. The Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 201(d)(3)(J) (42 U.S.C. 3011(d)(3)(J)), by striking ``Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate'' and inserting ``Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives''; (2) in section 202(b)(8)(E) (42 U.S.C.”
“REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE. ``(a) Preliminary Report.--Not later than 100 days after the date on which the Conference adjourns, the Secretary shall publish and deliver to the States a preliminary report on the Conference. Comments on the preliminary report of the Conference shall be accepted by the Secretary. ``(b) Final Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Conference adjourns, the Secretary shall publish and transmit to the President and to Congress recommendations resulting from the Conference and suggestions for any administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the recommendations contained within the report. ``SEC. 204. DEFINITIONS. ``In this title: ``(1) Conference.--The term `Conference' means the White House Conference on Aging.”
“In carrying out this subparagraph, the Secretary is authorized to make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, public agencies and nonprofit private organizations. ``(c) Gifts.--The Secretary may accept, on behalf of the United States, gifts (in cash or in kind, including voluntary and uncompensated services) that shall be available to carry out this title. Gifts of cash shall be available in addition to amounts appropriated to carry out this title. Gifts may be earmarked by the donor for a specific purpose. ``(d) Records.--The Secretary shall maintain records regarding-- ``(1) the sources, amounts, and uses of gifts accepted under subsection (c); and ``(2) the identity of each person receiving assistance to carry out this title, and the amount of such assistance received by each such person. ``SEC. 203.”
“``(b) Duties.--The Secretary shall, in carrying out the Secretary's responsibilities and functions under this section, and as part of the White House Conference on Aging, ensure that-- [[Page S4081]] ``(1) the agenda prepared under subsection (a)(3) for the Conference is published in the Federal Register not later than 30 days after such agenda is approved by the Secretary; ``(2) the personnel engaged under subsection (a)(5) shall be fairly balanced in terms of points of views represented and shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or previous partisan activities; ``(3) the recommendations of the Conference are not inappropriately influenced by any appointing authority or by any special interest, but will instead be the result of the independent judgment of the Conference; and ``(4) current and adequate statistical data, including decennial census data, and other information on the well- being of older individuals in the United States, are readily available, in advance of the Conference, to the delegates of the Conference, together with such information as may be necessary to evaluate Federal programs and policies relating to aging.”
“``(a) Administration.--In administering this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) consult with relevant State, Tribal, and local officials, stakeholders, and subject matter experts in planning the Conference; ``(2) request the cooperation and assistance of the heads of such other Federal departments and agencies, including such officials of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities, as may be appropriate in the carrying out of this section; ``(3) make available for public comment a proposed agenda for the Conference, which will reflect to the greatest extent possible the major issues facing older individuals, consistent with the provisions of section 201(c); ``(4) prepare and make available such background materials for the use of delegates to the Conference as the Secretary deems necessary; and ``(5) engage such additional personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section without regard to provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.”
“Delegates shall include older individuals, individuals who are professionals in the field of aging, individuals who are community leaders, minority individuals, individuals from rural areas, low-income individuals, and representatives of Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments. ``SEC. 202. CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATION.”
“``(d) Conference Participants and Delegates.-- ``(1) Participants.--In order to carry out the purposes of this section, the Conference shall bring together-- ``(A) representatives of Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments; ``(B) professionals and volunteers who are working in the field of aging; and ``(C) representatives of the general public, particularly older individuals. ``(2) Selection of delegates.--The delegates shall be selected without regard to political affiliation or past partisan activity and shall, to the best of the appointing authority's ability, be representative of the spectrum of thought in the field of aging.”
“3001 et seq.) can be met by using the resources and talents of older individuals, of families and communities of such individuals, and of individuals from the public and private sectors; ``(2) evaluate the manner in which Federal policies, programs, and activities meet and respond to the needs of older individuals, including an examination of innovative and fiscally responsible strategies relating to retirement security, caregiving, nutrition and supportive services, health care, elder justice, and long-term services and supports; ``(3) be informed by the work and recommendations of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age- Friendly Communities, evaluate the recommendations of the Committee, and, as appropriate, suggest implementation strategies for such recommendations; and ``(4) develop recommendations to guide the President, Congress, and Federal agencies in improving Federal programs that serve older individuals, which may relate to the prevention and mitigation of disease, injury, abuse, social isolation, loneliness, and economic insecurity, including food insecurity, and promotion of healthy aging in place.”
“Planning and conducting the Conference includes the assignment of personnel. ``(c) Purpose.--The purpose of the Conference described in subsection (a) shall be to gather individuals representing the spectrum of thought and experience in the field of aging to-- ``(1) evaluate the manner in which the objectives of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.”
“``(a) Authority To Call Conference.--Not earlier than January 21, 2025 and not later than December 31, 2025, the President shall convene the White House Conference on Aging in order to fulfill the purpose set forth in subsection (c) and to make fundamental policy recommendations regarding programs that are important to older individuals and to the families and communities of such individuals. ``(b) Planning and Direction.--The Conference described in subsection (a) shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary, in cooperation with the Assistant Secretary for Aging, the Director of the National Institute on Aging, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administrator, and the heads of such other Federal agencies serving older individuals as are appropriate.”
“3027(a)), as amended by section 111 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(32) The plan shall provide assurances that the State will coordinate services, to the extent feasible, with lead agencies designated to carry out State assistive technology programs under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) and with area agencies on aging to assist eligible older individuals, including older individuals with disabilities, in accessing and acquiring assistive technology.''. SEC. 113. WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING. The Older Americans Act Amendments of 1987 (42 U.S.C. 3001 note; Public Law 100-175) is amended by striking title II and inserting the following: ``TITLE II--WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING ``SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE.”
“3027(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(31) The plan shall provide assurances that the State agency, to the extent feasible and when applicable and appropriate, provides technical assistance for area agencies on aging related to the development of business acumen, sound fiscal practices, capacity building, organizational development, innovation, and other methods of growing and sustaining the capacity of the aging network to carry out activities funded under this Act to serve older individuals and caregivers most effectively.''. SEC. 112. ENHANCING ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY. Section 307(a) (42 U.S.C.”
“12102).''; and (3) in paragraph (49)(B), by striking ``of the major life activities specified in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of paragraph (8)'' and inserting ``major life activities specified in section 3(2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102(2)).''. SEC. 111. BUSINESS ACUMEN, FISCAL TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. Section 307(a) (42 U.S.C.”
“(3) Technical assistance.--The Administrator shall coordinate across the Administration for Community Living to address any technical assistance needs identified under paragraph (1)(C) in a manner that does not unnecessarily duplicate other technical assistance activities carried out prior to the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Definitions.--Section 102 (42 U.S.C. 3002) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``(as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102))''; (2) in paragraph (13), by striking ``The term'' and all that follows through ``adjustment.'' and inserting ``The term `disability' has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.”
“(2) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue guidance to State agencies and area agencies on aging on strategies to leverage disability networks, including centers for independent living, State developmental disabilities councils, university centers for excellence in developmental disabilities, education, research, and service, and State protection and advocacy agencies, as appropriate, to strengthen the provision of services under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.).”
“3001 et seq.); (B) lessons learned from disability networks, including centers for independent living, State developmental disabilities councils, university centers for excellence in developmental disabilities education, research, and service, and State protection and advocacy agencies that could improve operations and service delivery within the aging network; and (C) any technical assistance needs related to subparagraphs (A) and (B).”
“(b) Supporting Older Individuals With Disabilities Through Improved Coordination.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator of the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the ``Administrator'') shall identify-- (A) opportunities to improve coordination between the aging and disability networks, which may include the formation of partnerships to serve individuals eligible for programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.”
“3026(a)(5)) is amended by striking ``with agencies that develop or provide services for individuals with disabilities'' and inserting ``with entities that develop or provide services for individuals with disabilities, which may include centers for independent living, relevant service providers, and other community-based organizations, as appropriate''.”
“3026(f)(1)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``the assurances required under section 305(c)(2),'' after ``of this section,''; and (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, and if the State agency determines, in the discretion of the State agency, that an area agency on aging failed in 2 successive years to comply with the requirements under this title, then the State agency may require the area agency on aging to submit a plan for a 1-year period that meets such requirements, for subsequent years until the State agency determines that the area agency on aging is in compliance with such requirements.''. SEC. 110. SUPPORTING OLDER INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH IMPROVED COORDINATION. (a) Area Plans.--Section 306(a)(5) (42 U.S.C.”
“[[Page S4080]] In designating an area agency on aging within the planning and service area or within any unit of general purpose local government designated as a planning and service area, the State shall give preference to an established office on aging, unless the State agency finds that no such office within the planning and service area will have the capacity to carry out the area plan.''. (b) Plans.--Section 306(f)(1) (42 U.S.C.”
“3025(c)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively, and moving such subparagraphs 2 ems to the right; (2) by striking ``shall be'' and inserting the following: ``shall-- ``(1) be--''; (3) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated-- (A) by striking ``(b)(5)'' and inserting ``(b)(5)(A)''; and (B) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon; and (4) by striking ``and shall provide assurance,'' and all that follows through ``the area plan.'' and inserting the following: ``(2) provide assurance, determined adequate by the State agency, that the area agency on aging will have the ability, and maintain the capabilities necessary, to develop an area plan as required under section 306(a), and carry out, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, and oversee activities in accordance with-- ``(A) the plan within the planning and service area; ``(B) any other relevant requirements of this Act; ``(C) other applicable Federal and State laws; and ``(D) other terms and conditions of awards received under this Act.”
“3025(b)(5)(B)) is amended to read as follows: ``(B) Whenever a State agency designates a new area agency on aging after the date of enactment of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, the State agency shall give the right to first refusal to a unit of general purpose local government if-- ``(i) such unit can meet the requirements of subsection (c); ``(ii)(I) such unit has demonstrated experience administering services for older individuals; or ``(II) the State agency determines that there is not another entity eligible under subsection (c)(1) within the planning and service area with such demonstrated experience; and ``(iii) the boundaries of such unit and the boundaries of the planning and service area are reasonably contiguous.''. SEC. 109. AREA AGENCY ON AGING CAPABILITIES. (a) Organization.--Section 305(c) (42 U.S.C.”
“3002)) and area agencies on aging on circumstances under which funds appropriated pursuant to part B and subparts 1 and 2 of part C of title III of the Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. 3030d et seq., 42 U.S.C. 3030e et seq., 42 U.S.C. 3030f et seq.) may be appropriate to reallocate between area agencies on aging within a single State, with the approval of the State agency and the concurrence of any involved area agencies on aging, within a budget year. (b) Considerations.--In disseminating the guidance under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary may consider circumstances that affect the expenditure of the funds described in such subsection. SEC. 108. RIGHT TO FIRST REFUSAL. Section 305(b)(5)(B) (42 U.S.C.”
“3026) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(13)-- (A) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``any service to older individuals'' and inserting ``any service under this Act to older individuals or caregivers''; and (B) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``or caregivers under this Act'' after ``older individuals''; and (2) in subsection (g), by inserting ``, except as provided under section 212(a)(2),'' after ``Nothing in this Act''. SEC. 107. GUIDANCE ON REALLOCATION OF FUNDING BETWEEN AREA AGENCIES ON AGING. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall disseminate one-time guidance to State agencies (as defined in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.”
“``(f) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Cost.--The term `cost' means an expense, including an administrative expense, incurred by a recipient in developing or carrying out an agreement described in subsection (a), whether the recipient contributed funds, staff time, or other plant, equipment, or services to meet the expense. ``(2) Recipient.--The term `recipient' means an area agency on aging in a State with multiple planning and service areas.''. (b) Area Plans.--Section 306 (42 U.S.C.”
“Such recipient shall make a good faith effort to address such request for additional information, except that such recipient shall not provide agreements or other data that are restricted under the terms of a non-disclosure agreement signed by such recipient. If such recipient declines to provide a copy of an agreement to a State agency, such recipient shall provide a justification to the State agency within 30 days of receiving such request. ``(2) Confidentiality.--A State agency shall keep confidential, as required by applicable Federal and State law, all information received under this subsection that is-- ``(A) a trade secret; ``(B) commercial or financial information; and ``(C) information obtained from an individual that is privileged and confidential.”