Bill > HR2668

This bill proposes to transform approaches to criminal justice by expanding the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to support state and local efforts in diversion and rehabilitation. The bill recognizes that drug addiction, mental health disorders, and poverty contribute significantly to crime, and that traditional incarceration often fails to address underlying causes of criminal behavior. It aims to authorize JAG funds to support pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release rehabilitation programs that provide treatment, life-skills training, and support services. The bill establishes a National Diversion and Rehabilitation Clearinghouse to centralize research, provide technical assistance, and promote best practices for evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to criminal justice. Key purposes include reducing crime and recidivism rates, minimizing negative consequences of incarceration, and creating more equitable opportunities for individuals to improve their lives. The legislation defines important terms such as "diversion and rehabilitation program" as alternatives to standard criminal justice processing that reduce an individual's involvement in the system, and "evidence-based practice" as programs proven effective through scientific testing and measurable outcomes related to reducing incarceration.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2668/all-info