Bill > HR5372

This bill, called the "DEMO Act," aims to create a grant program to help individuals with arrest or conviction records pursue careers in health professions experiencing labor shortages. The program, which will be administered through the Social Security Act, will provide grants to eligible entities like workforce development boards, educational institutions, hospitals, and nonprofits to conduct demonstration projects. These projects must run for at least three years and will offer education, training, and support services to help participants overcome barriers to employment. Grant applicants must demonstrate state policies that allow individuals with records to obtain health credentials, show experience working with job seekers who have records, and provide plans for recruiting students and offering post-employment support. The projects are required to include legal assistance to help participants address record-related employment barriers and may offer emergency financial assistance. The Secretary of the relevant agency will provide technical assistance to applicants and conduct evaluations of the projects to identify successful strategies for developing a more accessible health workforce. Eligible individuals must have an income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, and the bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund these demonstration projects, with the program set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5372/all-info