Bill > SB69

This bill establishes a Recovery-to-work pilot program within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry aimed at helping individuals recovering from substance use disorders find employment. The program will create up to seven local pilot programs that collaborate with workforce development boards, support services providers, businesses, and government agencies to provide career development, job training, and support services for individuals in recovery. Businesses that hire program participants can receive a $1,250 incentive payment if the individual works an average of 35 hours per week for 26 consecutive weeks and meets wage requirements. The bill requires the department to develop guidelines for program participation, prioritize areas with high substance use and unemployment rates, and create an evaluation system to track program outcomes. Participating local workforce development boards must submit detailed applications describing their proposed programs, including partner organizations, projected costs, target occupations, and program goals. The department will manage the program, distribute funding, and produce annual and final reports to various government officials detailing the program's effectiveness, challenges, and best practices. Funding for the program can come from sources like the Reemployment Fund, existing department appropriations, and the Opioid Settlement Restricted Account.