DART Act of 2025

This bill would let states and local communities use federal Justice Assistance Grants to do more “smart on crime” work. It adds clear support for pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release help like treatment, life-skills training, and mental health care. The goal is to cut repeat crime by tackling addiction, mental illness, and poverty—the issues that often lead to arrests—and to avoid the harms that can come with jail time, like losing a job or housing.

It also creates a National Diversion and Rehabilitation Clearinghouse at the Department of Justice. This center would gather research, share best practices, offer training, and give technical help to states, local governments, nonprofits, and Justice Assistance Grant recipients, with a focus on evidence-based, trauma‑informed, and restorative justice approaches. Funding for the clearinghouse is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

Key points

• Who is affected: State and local public safety agencies, courts (including specialty courts), community groups and nonprofits receiving help, and people struggling with addiction or mental health needs. Communities and victims may also benefit from restorative justice practices.
• What changes: Justice Assistance Grant dollars could be used for pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release rehabilitation; a national clearinghouse would support evidence-based, trauma‑informed programs; funding may prioritize programs with mental health services, peer support, and restorative justice.
• When: The clearinghouse funding is authorized for 2026–2031; other changes would apply after the bill becomes law.