S-500 : Still Just a Bill

The Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry Act of 2025 (CAREER Act of 2025) or S. 500 aims to reauthorize and amend certain programs established under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act to combat the opioid crisis by focusing on employment and recovery support. Here's a breakdown:

• Reauthorization of CAREER Act Grants: Extends funding for treatment, recovery, and workforce support grants through fiscal year 2030, with an increased annual allocation of $12,000,000.
• Grant Criteria Updates:Modifies the criteria for awarding grants to prioritize areas with high drug overdose death rates, unemployment rates, and low labor force participation rates, using data from calendar years 2018-2022.
• Expanded Use of Funds:Allows grantees to use up to 5% of funds for transportation services to facilitate participation in work, vocational education, job training, or substance use disorder treatment and recovery activities.
• Performance Metrics:Requires grantees to report employment and earnings outcomes of individuals with substance use disorders participating in grant-funded programs.
• Recovery Housing Pilot Program: Reauthorizes the Recovery Housing Pilot Program through 2030.

In short, the bill seeks to bolster workforce development and support services for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, with the goal of facilitating their reentry into the workforce and promoting long-term recovery.