CAREER Act of 2025 (S. 500)

Summary

Continues funding for programs that help people recovering from addiction get job training and find stable housing to support their long-term success.

What problem does this solve?

People recovering from substance use disorder often struggle to find stable jobs and housing, which makes their recovery much harder. This bill provides new funding for support programs, ensuring people in recovery have access to job training and safe housing.

What does this bill do?

Increases funding for recovery and workforce grants

Authorizes $12 million per year from 2026 to 2030 for grants that support treatment, recovery, and employment for people with substance use disorders, up from a previous $5 million.

Extends the recovery housing pilot program

Reauthorizes the pilot program that provides stable, transitional housing for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders until 2030.

Updates data for targeting high-need areas

Requires that grant priority be based on overdose death, unemployment, and labor force participation rates from calendar years 2018 through 2022.

Allows grant funds for transportation

Permits up to 5% of grant money to be used to transport individuals to work, job training, or treatment and recovery services.

Adds employment outcome reporting

Requires grant recipients to report on the employment and earnings outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder who participate in the funded programs.

Who does this affect?

Individuals recovering from substance use disorder
State and local governments
Employers in high-need communities

What is the real world impact?

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Supports long-term recovery

Aims to reduce relapse rates and improve lives by providing stable employment and housing, which are critical for people recovering from substance use disorders.

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Targets high-need areas

Uses data on overdose deaths and unemployment to direct funds to communities most affected by the addiction crisis, ensuring resources go where they are most needed.

When does this start?

The bill's funding and program extensions would apply from fiscal year 2026 through 2030, with specific deadlines for reports.

New grant funding period

Authorizes $12 million in grant funding for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030.

Recovery housing program extension

The pilot program for recovery housing is authorized to continue through 2030.

Final report on grant effectiveness

A final report evaluating the effectiveness of the grants must be submitted by September 30, 2030.