DART Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 2668

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-07: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-01-09T09:06:48Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Diversion And Rehabilitation Transformation Act of 2025 (DART Act of 2025) aims to reduce crime and repeat offenses (recidivism) by expanding access to federal funding for programs that divert people from jail or prison. It focuses on addressing root causes like drug addiction, mental health issues, and poverty through rehabilitation and support services, rather than relying solely on incarceration. The act promotes fairer criminal justice practices, minimizes harms from jail time (such as job loss or family separation), and encourages proven, trauma-sensitive methods.

Key Provisions

• Expansion of Federal Grant Funding: Authorizes the use of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funds—federal money for state and local crime-fighting efforts—to support diversion and rehabilitation programs. These include pre-arrest interventions (stopping involvement before charges), court-based options like specialty courts (e.g., drug or mental health courts), and post-release support to help people reintegrate.
• National Clearinghouse: Directs the U.S. Attorney General to create a central hub (National Diversion and Rehabilitation Clearinghouse) to share research, provide training and technical help to states, cities, and nonprofits, and promote best practices. This includes trauma-informed approaches (methods that recognize past trauma and create supportive environments) and restorative justice (processes involving victims and communities for resolution without full prosecution).
• Funding Authorization: Allocates money for the clearinghouse from fiscal years 2026 through 2031, as needed.
• Definitions: Clarifies terms like "diversion and rehabilitation program" (alternatives to standard criminal processing that reduce long-term system involvement), "trauma-informed practice," and "evidence-based practice" (programs proven effective through scientific studies, with clear results like lower jail rates).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the law governing JAG funds) by broadening eligible uses. Previously, funds could support law enforcement, courts, and corrections broadly; now, it explicitly includes "diversion and rehabilitation programs" at any stage of the justice process (e.g., before arrest or trial) and adds specialty courts with restorative justice elements.
• Introduces a new federal resource (the clearinghouse) to support implementation, which did not exist before.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Justice (DOJ) will oversee the clearinghouse, requiring new administrative efforts for research, training, and assistance. States and local governments gain flexibility in using JAG funds for preventive programs, potentially easing budget strains from high incarceration costs.
• On Citizens: Individuals facing criminal charges—especially those with addiction or mental health needs—may access treatment, job training, and support services instead of jail, leading to better life outcomes and lower recidivism. Communities could see safer environments through reduced crime and stronger family ties.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts; the bill focuses on domestic U.S. criminal justice.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• State and Local Governments: Primary recipients of JAG funds, enabling them to expand programs like those in St. Louis County, Missouri.
• Individuals in the Criminal Justice System: People at risk of arrest or incarceration, particularly those affected by poverty, addiction, or mental health issues, who benefit from diversion options.
• Nonprofits and Community Organizations: Eligible for technical assistance and funding to run rehabilitation services, peer support, and restorative justice initiatives.
• Victims and Communities: Involved in restorative programs, potentially gaining from resolutions that promote healing without lengthy trials.
• Federal Agencies: DOJ handles the clearinghouse and grant oversight.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Shifts emphasis from punishment to rehabilitation, aligning with evidence-based reforms while maintaining federal support for state-led initiatives. It does not alter constitutional rights but encourages practices that could reduce disproportionate impacts on marginalized groups (e.g., via equitable access to diversion).
• Constitutional: Supports due process by promoting alternatives to incarceration, potentially addressing Eighth Amendment concerns about excessive punishment, though it avoids mandating changes.
• Political: Represents bipartisan criminal justice reform by leveraging existing JAG infrastructure for cost-effective, preventive measures. It highlights a move toward trauma-informed policies, which could influence future funding debates and reduce fiscal burdens on states, but implementation depends on congressional appropriations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]

Cosponsors (15)

Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-07: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-04-07: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-07: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Diversion And Rehabilitation Transformation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-07 — PDF (8 pages)