CHIERS Act of 2026

The "Connections to Health Infrastructure and Emergency Recovery Services Act of 2026" or "CHIERS Act of 2026" establishes a grant program to be jointly administered by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development. Beginning within one year of enactment, these grants will fund initiatives that improve access to, develop, or expand transportation services for individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment or supportive services. The transportation, including first and last mile transportation , must be provided at no cost to the individual. The program specifically targets individuals with substance use disorder who are experiencing homelessness, reside in low-income communities, or live in areas where transportation significantly impedes healthcare access. Grant funds can be used for various purposes, such as providing prescheduled or on-demand transportation, acquiring vehicles, assisting personnel with licensing and training, raising awareness, and utilizing ridesharing or taxi services. However, funds are explicitly prohibited from being used for transporting individuals to involuntary inpatient treatment or by law enforcement personnel. Grantees must submit applications detailing planned activities, partnerships, and performance measures to track effectiveness in reducing missed appointments, and are required to report on their performance annually.