This bill amends Title 49 of the United States Code to establish a new public transportation reentry service. Its primary goal is to provide free public transportation for a one-year period to individuals recently released from Federal or State incarceration, defined as those imprisoned for at least one year. This initiative seeks to enhance their successful reintegration into the community, reduce recidivism, and facilitate access to vital services and parole requirements. To be eligible for certain federal financial assistance, transit agencies (covered recipients) must implement this reentry service program. They are required to create an enrollment system, train staff, collect data on usage, and ensure compliance with the one-year service period. The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to reimburse these agencies for both direct and indirect costs associated with developing, implementing, and operating the service, including outreach and technical assistance. The bill authorizes $40,000,000 annually from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support this program. It also mandates that the Comptroller General submit a report to Congress within five years, detailing the program's implementation, outcomes, and its impact on recidivism rates and community reentry for participating individuals. Furthermore, the Secretary must issue regulations within one year to guide coordination, marketing, and address individuals residing in different locations during their eligibility period.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Transportation and Public Works
Transportation for Reentry Act
USA119th CongressHR-9898| House
| Updated: 7/23/2026
This bill amends Title 49 of the United States Code to establish a new public transportation reentry service. Its primary goal is to provide free public transportation for a one-year period to individuals recently released from Federal or State incarceration, defined as those imprisoned for at least one year. This initiative seeks to enhance their successful reintegration into the community, reduce recidivism, and facilitate access to vital services and parole requirements. To be eligible for certain federal financial assistance, transit agencies (covered recipients) must implement this reentry service program. They are required to create an enrollment system, train staff, collect data on usage, and ensure compliance with the one-year service period. The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to reimburse these agencies for both direct and indirect costs associated with developing, implementing, and operating the service, including outreach and technical assistance. The bill authorizes $40,000,000 annually from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support this program. It also mandates that the Comptroller General submit a report to Congress within five years, detailing the program's implementation, outcomes, and its impact on recidivism rates and community reentry for participating individuals. Furthermore, the Secretary must issue regulations within one year to guide coordination, marketing, and address individuals residing in different locations during their eligibility period.