Grants for checking on seniors during extreme heat events

(a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with area agencies on aging, may award grants to eligible entities to develop and implement a program under which each grant recipient— (1) operates a registry of seniors who are in the target population of, or who reside in the jurisdiction of, the grant recipient; (2) includes seniors in such registry only if they opt into being included; and (3) during periods of extreme heat, provides for checks on the health and well-being of seniors in the registry— (A) by telephone; or (B) by other means approved by the senior involved. (b) Priority In awarding grants under the program under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that describe how they will identify and reach seniors who are vulnerable to extreme heat events due to factors such as low income, limited English proficiency, or identity as a racial minority or member of a State-recognized Indian Tribe. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) The term area agency on aging has the meaning given to that term by section 102(6) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002(6)). (2) The term eligible entity means— (A) a State, Territory, or Tribal agency; (B) a local governmental entity; (C) an Indian Tribe; or (D) a nonprofit organization, community group, clinic, or other entity engaged in providing outreach and services to seniors. (3) The term local governmental entity means any municipal government or county government with jurisdiction over local land use decisions. (4) The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (5) The term senior has the meaning given to that term by the Secretary for purposes of this section. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.