Treatment Court, Rehabilitation, and Recovery Act of 2025

This bill would expand and fund “treatment courts” that focus on recovery instead of jail for people whose crimes are tied to substance use. It lets the Justice Department give grants to states, local and tribal courts to start or improve programs like adult drug courts, family treatment courts, juvenile drug courts, tribal healing to wellness courts, and impaired driving courts, as long as they follow national best-practice standards . People in these programs must be screened to ensure they have a substance use disorder, are a good fit for treatment, and do not pose a risk of violence to others . Courts must set fines and fees in a way that doesn’t block someone from getting treatment, with an option to show ability to pay .

The bill pushes for fair access and quality care. Grant rules require equal access and monitoring to prevent unfair differences by race, gender, or other factors; use of evidence-based assessments; availability of medication for addiction treatment when appropriate; and licensed treatment providers. It also caps administrative costs, limits the federal share to 75% unless waived, and allows in‑kind matches . The Justice Department must offer training and technical help, and run a national study of how well treatment courts work within three years of enactment. Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 .

• Who is affected: People in the justice system with substance use disorders; families in dependency cases; repeat DUI offenders; tribal communities; state, local, and tribal courts receiving grants .
• What changes: More grants for treatment-focused courts; fair-fee rules; stronger standards for treatment and equal access; required data tracking and evaluations; training and technical assistance .
• When: Applies upon enactment; funding authorized for 2024–2028; national evaluation due within three years of enactment .