,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #bgcj ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,april #bc1 #bjah ,mr4 ,mc,connell introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,public ,health ,service ,act to establish a pilot program to help individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder transition from treatment to independent living and the workforce1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,comprehensive ,addiction ,recovery through ,effective ,employment and ,reentry ,act or the ,,career ,act4 #b4 ,pilot program to help individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder transition to independent living and the workforce ,part ,b of title ,,iii of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdc et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cbj;,b4 ,pilot program to help individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder transition to independent living and the workforce 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a pilot program to award #e-year grants under subsection 7b77#a7 to ,states1 and #a-year grants under subsection 7b77#b7 to ,states or ,indian tribes1 for the purpose of making subgrants to entities under subsection 7c7 to help individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder transition from treatment to independent living and the workforce4 7b7 ,grants 7#a7 #e-year grants 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall award #e-year grants under this paragraph to #e ,states that submit an application under paragraph 7#c74 ,such ,states shall be selected-- 7i7 from among the #aj ,states with the highest rate of death due to drug overdose per #ajj1jjj people1 based on data from the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention for calendar years #bjac through #bjag2 and 7ii7 based on the merits of the proposal included in such application and the preferences described in subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,preferences ,the ,secretary1 in selecting ,states for a grant under this paragraph1 shall give priority to ,states from among the ,states described in subparagraph 7,a7 with the combination of-- 7i7 the highest average rates of unemployment based on data provided by the ,bureau of ,labor ,statistics for calendar years #bjac through #bjag2 7ii7 the lowest average labor force participation rates based on data provided by the ,bureau of ,labor ,statistics for calendar years #bjac through #bjag2 and 7iii7 the highest prevalence of opioid use disorder based on data provided by the ,substance ,abuse and ,mental ,health ,services ,administration for calendar years #bjac through #bjag as may be available4 7,c7 ,grant funds 7i7 ,in general ,the funds from a #e-year grant awarded under this paragraph shall be provided to each of the #e selected ,states on an annual basis for each of fiscal years #bjai through #bjbc4 7ii7 ,carry over 7,i7 ,in general ,the funds awarded under clause 7i7 for a fiscal year shall remain available for the ,state to make subgrants under subsection 7c7 for such fiscal year1 except a ,state may carry over 7subject to subclause 7,,ii77 not more than #aj percent of such funds for the following fiscal year for such purpose4 7,,ii7 ,request ,a ,state may make a request to the ,secretary to carry over more than #aj percent of the funds awarded under clause 7i7 for a fiscal year for the following fiscal year for such purpose1 and the ,secretary may grant such request as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7,,iii7 ,amount for following fiscal year ,any amount carried over under this clause shall not impact the amount of the funds the ,secretary awards the ,state for such following fiscal year4 7iii7 ,return of funds ,any funds awarded under clause 7i7 that are not expended during the fiscal year for which the funds are awarded and that are not carried over for the following fiscal year under clause 7ii7 shall be returned to the ,secretary to carry out this section4 ,any funds returned to the ,secretary after fiscal year #bjbc shall be returned to the general fund of the ,treasury4 7#b7 #a-year grants 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall1 for each of fiscal years #bjai through #bjbc1 award #a-year grants to ,states or ,indian tribes under this paragraph that submit an application in accordance with paragraph 7#c74 ,such ,states or ,indian tribes shall be selected for a grant under this paragraph based on criteria established by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,grant funds 7i7 ,in general ,the funds awarded through a grant under subparagraph 7,a7 for a fiscal year shall remain available for the ,state or ,indian tribe to make subgrants under subsection 7c7 for such fiscal year and may not be carried over for such following fiscal year4 7ii7 ,return of funds ,any funds awarded through a grant under subparagraph 7,a7 that are not expended during the fiscal year of the grant shall be returned to the ,secretary to carry out this section4 ,any funds returned to the ,secretary after fiscal year #bjbc shall be returned to the general fund of the ,treasury4 7#c7 ,applications 7,a7 ,in general ,each ,state desiring a grant under paragraph 7#a7 and each ,state or ,indian tribe desiring a grant under paragraph 7#b7 shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary may reasonably require for such grant4 7,b7 ,contents 7i7 ,in general ,an application submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall contain such information as the ,secretary may reasonably require1 including a proposal for awarding subgrants under subsection 7c7 and a method for evaluating such subgrants4 7ii7 #e-year grants ,an application submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 for a grant awarded under subsection 7b77#a7 shall include an assurance that not less than #ej percent of the funds awarded through the grant will be used towards making subgrants under subsection 7c7 to the entities applying for such subgrants that serve the areas in the ,state with the highest prevalence of substance use disorder1 based on data determined appropriate by the ,secretary4 7c7 ,subgrants 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state that receives a grant under subsection 7b77#a7 and each ,state or ,indian tribe that receives a grant under subsection 7b77#b7 shall award subgrants on a competitive basis to entities that meet the requirements under paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c74 7#b7 ,subgrant requirements 7,a7 ,application ,an entity that desires a subgrant under this subsection shall submit an application to the ,state or ,indian tribe at such time and in such manner as the ,state or ,indian tribe may reasonably require4 7,b7 ,contents ,an application submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 by an entity shall contain such information as the ,state or ,indian tribe may reasonably require1 including a demonstration that the entity has one or more of the following abilities3 7i7 ,the ability to partner with local stakeholders1 which may include local employers1 community stakeholders1 and local and ,state governments1 to identify gaps in the workforce due to the prevalence of substance use disorders4 7ii7 ,the ability to partner with local stakeholders1 which may include local employers1 community stakeholders1 and local and ,state governments1 to offer transitional services1 including employment and career counseling or job placement1 to help individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder transition into the workforce4 7iii7 ,the ability to partner with local stakeholders1 which may include local employers1 community stakeholders1 and local and ,state governments1 to assist employers with informing their employees of the resources1 such as treatment options for a substance use disorder1 that are available to them4 7#c7 ,use of funds ,an entity receiving a subgrant under this subsection shall use the subgrant funds for more than one of the following3 7,a7 ,to hire specialists with an expertise in treating substance use disorders1 including through residential treatment1 to assist with the treatment provided through a subgrant under this subsection1 which may include the use of medication-assisted treatment4 7,b7 ,to provide wrap-around services to encourage substance use disorder prevention1 treatment1 recovery1 and rehabilitation1 with a focus on ensuring long-term recovery and symptom remission4 7,c7 ,to help individuals transition from inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder to the workforce by providing-- 7i7 career services described in paragraph 7#b71 and training services described in paragraph 7#c71 of section #acd7;c7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cagd7;c772 and 7ii7 related services described in section #acd7;a77#d77;,d7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cagd7;a77#d77;,d774 7,d7 ,to implement innovative technologies to make substance use disorder treatment more affordable and accessible1 which may include the use of telemedicine1 and may assist individuals in finding and maintaining employment throughout recovery4 7,e7 ,to provide ongoing outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs1 including peer support meetings1 for individuals who have recovered or are in recovery from a substance use disorder while they transition from receiving treatment for such disorder to entering the workforce and maintaining employment4 7,f7 ,to assist patients1 including through hiring case managers1 care coordinators1 or trained peer recovery coaches1 in recovery from a substance use disorder1 including through programs to provide services to develop daily living skills1 provide counseling1 and provide housing assistance1 and through other appropriate ,federal ,government assistance programs4 7,g7 ,with respect to an entity that provides the full continuum of substance use disorder treatment services1 which may include detoxification1 residential rehabilitation1 recovery housing1 evidence-based treatments 7which may include the use of medication-assisted treatment71 counseling1 and recovery supports1 to expand such services to include services that may include-- 7i7 short-term prevocational training services1 such as the development of learning skills1 communication skills1 interviewing skills1 punctuality1 personal maintenance skills1 and professional conduct2 7ii7 vocational training1 which shall emphasize the skills or knowledge necessary for a particular job function or trade2 and 7iii7 care coordination throughout the short- and long-term substance use disorder recovery process4 7,h7 ,any other service determined by the ,secretary as necessary for achieving the goal of transitioning individuals from treatment for substance use disorders to independent living and the workforce or to encouraging substance use disorder prevention in the workforce4 7d7 ,consultation ,the ,secretary may1 in carrying out the pilot program under this section1 consult with the ,assistant ,secretary for ,substance ,use and ,mental ,health1 the ,administrator of the ,health ,resources and ,services ,administration1 the ,secretary of ,labor1 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development1 and the ,secretary of ,education4 7e7 ,reporting requirements 7#a7 ,reports to the ,secretary 7,a7 #e-year grants ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjba1 each ,state that has received a grant under subsection 7b77#a7 shall report to the ,secretary on its progress and effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the pilot program under this section1 including the progress and effectiveness of the entities receiving subgrants under subsection 7c7 as demonstrated through reports of such progress and effectiveness submitted to the ,state by such entities4 7,b7 #a-year grants ,not later than ,december #ca of the fiscal year following the fiscal year for which a grant is awarded under subsection 7b77#b71 the ,state or ,indian tribe receiving such grant shall report to the ,secretary on its progress and effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the pilot program under this section1 including the progress and effectiveness of the entities receiving subgrants under subsection 7c7 which may be demonstrated through reports of such progress and effectiveness submitted to the ,state or ,indian tribe by such entities4 7#b7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbd1 the ,secretary shall submit a report to ,congress1 including any applicable authorizing committee of the ,senate or ,house of ,representatives1 evaluating the grants awarded under this section4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated #bjj1jjj1jjj1 for each of fiscal years #bjai through #bjbc1 to carry out this section4 ,out of such amount appropriated for each such fiscal year-- 7#a7 #ge percent shall be used to make grants under subsection 7b77#a72 and 7#b7 #be percent shall be used to make grants under subsection 7b77#b74 4 #c4 ,transitional housing services 7a7 ,in general ,section #aje7;a7 of the ,housing and ,community ,development ,act of #aigd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ecje7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#be77;,d71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#bf71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#bg7 providing temporary housing services to individuals who are transitioning out of substance abuse treatment programs for-- 7,a7 a period of not more than #bd months or until the individual secures permanent housing1 whichever is earlier2 or 7,b7 such longer period as the ,secretary determines necessary4 4 7b7 ,additional ,,cdbg authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,definition of covered entity ,in this subsection1 the term covered entity means-- 7,a7 a ,state 7as defined in section #ajb7;a7 of the ,housing and ,community ,development ,act of #aigd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjb7;a777 that is among the #aj ,states with the highest rate of death due to drug overdose per #ajj1jjj people1 based on data from the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention for calendar years #bjac through #bjag2 and 7,b7 any entitlement community located in a ,state described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,in addition to any amounts appropriated for the community development block grant program under title ,i of the ,housing and ,community ,development ,act of #aigd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ecja et seq471 there are authorized to be appropriated #be1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjai through #bjbc1 to be allocated by the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development on a competitive basis to covered entities to carry out the activity described in paragraph 7#bg7 of section #aje7;a7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ecje7;a771 as added by subsection 7a74 7#c7 ,preferences ,in allocating amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development shall give priority to-- 7,a7 ,states from among the ,states described in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 with a combination of-- 7i7 the highest average rates of unemployment based on data provided by the ,bureau of ,labor ,statistics for calendar years #bjac through #bjag2 7ii7 the lowest average labor force participation rates based on data provided by the ,bureau of ,labor ,statistics for calendar years #bjac through #bjag2 and 7iii7 the highest prevalence of opioid use disorder based on data provided by the ,substance ,abuse and ,mental ,health ,services ,administration for calendar years #bjac through #bjag as may be available2 and 7,b7 entitlement communities located in a ,state described in clause 7i71 7ii71 or 7iii7 of subparagraph 7,a74 #d4 ,substance use disorder transition activities 7a7 ,reservations for ,state activities ,section #acc7;a77#a7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cagc7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,governor and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,governor 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,substance use disorder transition activities 7i7 ,adult and dislocated funds ,of the funds reserved as required under section #abh7;a77#a7 and subparagraph 7,a71 the ,governor of a ,state with an application approved under section #acd7;a77#d7 may reserve a sum of not more than #e percent of each of the amounts allotted to the ,state under paragraphs 7#a77;,b7 and 7#b77;,b7 of section #acb7;b7 for a fiscal year for substance use disorder transition activities described in section #acd7;a77#d74 ,notwithstanding sections #abh7;a77#b71 #abi7;b71 and #acd7;a71 the ,governor may not use an amount allotted under section #abg7;b77#a77;,c7 for those activities4 7ii7 ,vocational rehabilitation funds ,the ,governor of a ,state with such an approved application may reserve funds as described in section #aaj7;e7 of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gcj7;e77 for substance use disorder transition activities described in section #acd7;a77#d74 4 7b7 ,statewide employment and training activities 7#a7 ,in general ,section #acd7;a77#a7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cagd7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 in the matter following clause 7ii71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 as described in section #acc7;a77#a77;,b71 may be used for substance use disorder transition activities as described in paragraph 7#d71 regardless of whether the funds were allotted to the ,state under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 of section #acb7;b74 4 7#b7 ,substance use disorder transition activities ,section #acd7;a7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cagd7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,substance use disorder transition activities 7,a7 ,definitions ,in this paragraph3 7i7 ,appropriate secretary ,the term appropriate ,secretary means-- 7,i7 except as provided in subclause 7,,ii71 the ,secretary of ,labor2 or 7,,ii7 if the application involves funds reserved under section #aaj7;e7 of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gcj7;e771 the ,secretary of ,labor and the ,secretary of ,education4 7ii7 ,substance use disorder ,the term substance use disorder means such a disorder within the meaning of the term in title ,v of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bij;aa et seq474 7iii7 ,substance use disorder transition activities ,the term substance use disorder transition activities means activities authorized under subparagraph 7,d7 or 7,e74 7,b7 ,eligible states ,to be eligible to use the funds reserved under clause 7i7 or 7ii7 of section #acc7;a77#a77;,b7 for substance use disorder transition activities described in this paragraph1 a ,state shall-- 7i7 submit to the appropriate ,secretary an application seeking flexibility to use the reserved funds for such activities1 and submit the application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the appropriate ,secretary may require1 including an assurance that the ,state will award subgrants to entities on the basis of the ability of the entities to provide the substance use disorder transition activities involved1 including any programs that the entities propose to provide that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials2 and 7ii7 obtain approval of the application4 7,c7 ,subgrants ,an eligible ,state may use the funds reserved under clause 7i7 or 7ii7 of section #acc7;a77#a77;,b7 to make subgrants to one-stop operators and nonprofit organizations1 to provide services under subparagraph 7,d7 and 7at the election of the ,state7 subparagraph 7,e74 7,d7 ,career services ,an entity that receives a subgrant under subparagraph 7,c7 shall use the subgrant funds to assist individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder in transitioning to the workforce1 by providing career services 7such as the services described in section #acd7;c77#b77 and related services1 which may include one or more of-- 7i7 providing ongoing career counseling1 both before and after job placement1 with a focus on individual employment preferences while weighing the skill needs of industries in the local area2 7ii7 promoting systemic job development1 by facilitating voluntary programs and relationships between participants and local employers to create potential employment opportunities2 7iii7 providing benefits counseling-- 7,i7 to ensure participants receive accurate information regarding how employment will affect access to various ,federal programs1 such as the ,medicaid program established under title ,,xix of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif et seq47 and the supplemental security income program established under title ,,xvi of that ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq472 and 7,,ii7 to advise participants on ways to transition away from the programs described in subclause 7,i7 through maintaining employment2 7iv7 creating voluntary programs with employers to establish a work and treatment arrangement1 such as an ,employee ,assistance ,program1 for employees in recovery from a substance use disorder2 7v7 providing educational materials or training to employers to enable the employers to inform their employees of the resources1 such as treatment options for a substance use disorder1 that are available to them2 and 7vi7 any other career services that are determined to be necessary by the appropriate ,secretary and that would assist individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder in transitioning to the workforce4 7,e7 ,training services ,an entity that receives a subgrant under subparagraph 7,c7 shall 7at the election of the ,state7 use the subgrant funds to assist individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder in transitioning to the workforce1 by providing training services4 4 7c7 ,administration ,section #aha of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cbda7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7g7 as subsection 7h72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7f7 the following3 7g7 ,relationship to other laws 7#a7 ,disability nondiscrimination law ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 an employer that employs1 or considers for employment1 any individual who receives services under this section or under section #cbj;,b of the ,public ,health ,service ,act shall have an absolute defense to any claim 7including a charge7 of unlawful discrimination on the basis of disability under a covered law1 that alleges that the employer discriminated against that individual 7which may include refusing to hire or terminating the employment of the individual7 based on alcohol addiction or past substance use disorder for which the individual receives such services4 7#b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in paragraph 7#a7 shall be construed to eliminate the duty of the employer1 to an employee who is an individual who receives such services1 to provide a reasonable accommodation for an alcohol disorder1 or a past substance use disorder1 that is a disability under a covered law4 7#c7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,covered law ,the term covered law means title ,i of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaaa et seq471 title ,v of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gia et seq471 or a ,state law 7including local law71 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment4 7,b7 ,substance use disorder ,the term substance use disorder means such a disorder within the meaning of the term in title ,v of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bij;aa et seq474 4 7d7 ,other ,core ,programs ,section #aaj of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gcj7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 7#a7 ,in the case of a transition ,state1 from any ,state allotment under subsection 7a7 for a fiscal year1 the ,state may reserve not more than #e percent of the allotted funds for substance use disorder transition activities described in section #acd7;a77#d7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cagd7;a77#d774 7#b7 ,in this section1 the term transition ,state means a ,state with an application approved under section #acd7;a77#d7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 4