H.R. 036 | Reentry Empowerment and Workforce Development Act

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 119th Congress
2nd Session

H.R. 036

To provide funding for education and job training programs within federal and state correctional facilities, and to support reentry programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals with reintegration into society.

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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Quarter 2, 2026

Ms. DONNELLY (for herself introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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A BILL

To provide funding for education and job training programs within federal and state correctional facilities, and to support reentry programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals with reintegration into society.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the "Reentry Empowerment and Workforce Development Act."

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

(a) Findings. Congress finds the following:

Providing access to educational and job training programs within correctional facilities significantly reduces recidivism rates and enhances public safety.

Formerly incarcerated individuals face substantial barriers to employment, housing, and social services upon reentry, contributing to high recidivism rates and limiting opportunities for successful reintegration.

Support for reentry programs that address these barriers has shown to increase employment and housing stability among formerly incarcerated individuals, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

(b) Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to promote successful reentry and community integration by funding comprehensive educational, vocational, and reentry support services for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.

SEC. 3. EDUCATION AND JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.

(a) Grants for Correctional Education Programs. The Attorney General, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall establish a grant program to fund and expand educational programs in state and federal correctional facilities, including:

Academic Education. GED preparation, adult literacy programs, high school diploma programs, and post-secondary education.

Vocational Training. Skilled trades training, certifications, and vocational programs designed to meet regional labor market needs.

Digital Literacy and Technology Training. Programs focused on digital literacy, coding, computer skills, and emerging technology skills relevant to modern job markets.

Behavioral and Soft Skills Development. Training on workplace conduct, communication skills, and resilience.

(b) Eligibility and Funding Allocations. Funding will be distributed based on the following:

Grants shall be prioritized for correctional facilities with high rates of recidivism and limited access to existing educational programs.

State and federal facilities may apply for additional funds to support partnership programs with local educational institutions, community colleges, and workforce development agencies.

No less than 25% of funds shall be allocated to programs focused on women and juveniles in the correctional system.

SEC. 4. SUPPORT FOR REENTRY AND REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.

(a) Community Reentry Grants. The Attorney General, in partnership with the Department of Labor, shall establish a grant program to support community-based reentry programs aimed at reducing recidivism and facilitating successful reintegration.

(b) Eligible Uses of Funds. Funds awarded under this section shall be used for programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals in:

Employment Assistance. Job search assistance, resume-building workshops, career counseling, job placement services, and apprenticeships.

Housing Support. Transitional housing assistance, rental support, and partnerships with local housing authorities.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. Support for addiction recovery, mental health counseling, and trauma-informed care.

Life Skills and Financial Literacy Training. Budgeting, financial management, parenting classes, and general life skills development.

Legal Support Services. Assistance with obtaining identification, record expungement where applicable, and legal support for other reentry-related issues.

(c) Priority for High-Risk Individuals. Programs shall prioritize individuals with a high risk of recidivism, including those who were incarcerated for five or more years and those lacking family or community support upon release.

SEC. 5. PILOT PROGRAM FOR INNOVATIVE REENTRY SOLUTIONS.

(a) Establishment. The Department of Justice, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, shall implement a pilot program in five states to explore innovative solutions for reentry and recidivism reduction.

(b) Focus Areas. Each pilot program shall implement evidence-based practices, including:

Peer Support Networks. Formerly incarcerated individuals serving as mentors to those newly released.

Holistic Wrap-Around Services. Integration of services for employment, housing, mental health, and family reunification in a single, coordinated program.

Digital Access and Reentry Tools. Providing digital tools and access to help individuals with job searching, remote support, and connections to social services.

(c) Evaluation and Reporting. The Department of Justice shall conduct an evaluation of each pilot program's effectiveness and submit an annual report to Congress with recommendations for expansion or improvement.

SEC. 6. ANNUAL REPORTING AND EVALUATION.

(a) Data Collection. The Attorney General shall collect data on participation in and outcomes of the programs funded under this Act, including recidivism rates, employment rates, and housing stability of participants.

(b) Annual Report. Not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit a report to Congress detailing the effectiveness of the programs funded by this Act, including any barriers faced and recommendations for future improvements.

SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act:

$500,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2025 for education and job training programs in correctional facilities.

$400,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2025 for community reentry support and reintegration programs.

Such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support and expand programs under this Act.

SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment.

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PLAIN ENGLISH SUMMARY

This bill aims to reduce recidivism and improve public safety by funding education, job training, and reentry programs for individuals in correctional facilities and those transitioning back into society. It seeks to address the barriers formerly incarcerated individuals face in employment, housing, and social reintegration.

Key Provisions:

1. Education and Job Training in Correctional Facilities:

   • Establishes grants for correctional education, vocational training, and digital literacy programs.
   • Prioritizes funding for facilities with high recidivism rates and underserved populations.
   • Reserves at least 25% of funds for women and juveniles in the correctional system.

2. Support for Reentry and Reintegration:

   • Provides funding for community-based programs offering:
     • Job placement services, apprenticeships, and career counseling.
     • Housing assistance, including transitional housing and rental support.
     • Substance abuse and mental health counseling.
     • Life skills training and financial literacy education.
     • Legal aid for record expungement and obtaining identification.
   • Focuses on high-risk individuals, such as those incarcerated for long periods or without family support.

3. Innovative Reentry Pilot Programs:

   • Launches a pilot program in five states to test evidence-based practices, such as:
     • Peer mentoring for newly released individuals.
     • Holistic wrap-around services integrating employment, housing, and mental health support.
     • Digital tools for job searching and service access.
   • Requires annual evaluations and reporting to Congress on the effectiveness of these programs.

4. Data Collection and Reporting:

   • Mandates the Attorney General to track recidivism, employment, and housing outcomes for program participants.
   • Requires an annual report to Congress on program effectiveness and recommendations for improvement.

5. Funding Authorization:

   • Allocates $500 million for educational and job training programs in correctional facilities in FY 2025.
   • Allocates $400 million for reentry and reintegration support in FY 2025.
   • Provides additional funding for FY 2026-2030 as necessary to expand these programs.

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This legislation passed the House 221-212.