Sponsors (3)
The bill expands voluntary transportation access to substance use disorder treatment for low-income and homeless individuals—improving continuity of care and supporting community providers—while increasing federal spending, adding administrative requirements, and restricting involuntary or law-enforcement-driven transport options.
People with substance use disorders who are homeless or low-income gain free transportation to and from treatment and supportive services, reducing missed appointments and barriers to care.
Patients (including those with chronic conditions) and providers gain expanded, timely access to treatment because the bill funds vehicle acquisition, rideshare/taxi services, and training for organizations delivering transportation.
Nonprofits and local/state agencies receive grant funding and technical assistance to build transportation capacity, strengthening local service delivery for behavioral health and social services.
Taxpayers face increased federal spending because the program establishes new transportation grants and activities that will require appropriations.
State and local governments and nonprofits may struggle to sustain services after federal grants end if the program supplements rather than supplants existing funding.
Grantees (nonprofits and local agencies) must meet reporting and performance requirements, creating additional administrative burden and compliance costs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes HHS and HUD to jointly award grants to provide no‑cost transportation to and from substance use disorder treatment and supportive services.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to jointly award grants for the purposes of improving access to, developing, or expanding services that provide an individual with transportation to or from substance use disorder treatment or supportive services.
Introduced May 20, 2026 by Suzanne Bonamici · Last progress May 20, 2026
Creates a joint HHS–HUD grant program to fund no-cost transportation to and from substance use disorder treatment and supportive services for eligible ‘‘covered individuals.’' Grants may cover rideshare/taxi services, scheduled or on-demand rides, vehicle acquisition, licensing help, staff training, outreach, and related activities; they cannot fund transport to involuntary inpatient treatment or transportation by law enforcement. Grants must be awarded within one year of enactment, run at least one year, require grantee reporting within a year, and allow the Secretaries to provide technical assistance (up to 2% of funds if appropriated).