STRONGER Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
The STRONGER Act aims to enhance and expand evidence-based, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders within correctional facilities by updating practices, requiring training, and ensuring continuity of care.
What it actually does
The bill reauthorizes and significantly updates the Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment (RSUDT) program under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. It modernizes terminology from "substance abuse" to "substance use disorder," mandates the inclusion of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using FDA-approved medications, establishes training requirements for program staff, and requires affiliation with external MAT providers for continuity of care post-release. It also authorizes $40 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2031.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for addressing the opioid crisis and broader substance use disorder challenges within the criminal justice system. They contend that by mandating and funding evidence-based practices like MAT, and ensuring proper training and post-release care coordination, the bill will improve rehabilitation outcomes, reduce recidivism, and save lives. Modernizing terminology also reflects current medical understanding.
Opponents contend
Critics, if any, might raise concerns about the cost of expanding MAT programs, potential administrative burdens on correctional facilities to implement new training and affiliation requirements, or philosophical objections to MAT itself, preferring abstinence-only approaches. Some might also question the effectiveness of such programs within the carceral environment or the capacity of existing providers to meet increased demand for post-release care.
The bill is concise and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for stakeholders to understand its provisions before legislative action.
Section 2(a)(1), (2)(A)(i)(II), (2)(C)(iii), (4)(d)(1)(A), (4)(d)(2), (c)
Update to "Substance Use Disorder" and Mandate for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
This provision updates all references from "substance abuse" to the more medically accurate "substance use disorder" throughout the relevant sections of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. Crucially, it mandates that residential treatment programs supported by this Act must include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using FDA-approved medications or biological products, and explicitly allows states to use funds for MAT and overdose reversal medications. It also updates the definition of "residential substance use disorder treatment program" to align with current best practices.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this is a critical update, aligning federal programs with modern medical science which recognizes substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease and MAT as the gold standard for treatment, particularly for opioid use disorder. They contend it will significantly improve treatment efficacy and reduce post-release overdose deaths.
Critics contend
Some critics, often those favoring abstinence-only models, might argue that MAT merely substitutes one drug for another or that it is not appropriate for all individuals in a correctional setting. They might also express concerns about the security and administrative challenges of managing medications like buprenorphine or methadone within prisons and jails.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between traditional abstinence-only approaches in carceral settings and the evidence-based medical consensus supporting MAT. While MAT offers proven benefits, its implementation requires significant logistical and cultural shifts within correctional institutions.
Section 2(a)(3)(g) and (h)
Mandatory Training and External Provider Affiliation for MAT Programs
This provision requires the chief medical officer or appropriate staff overseeing RSUDT programs to complete specific training on addiction science, MAT, continuity of care, and obtaining necessary certifications. Additionally, any entity receiving federal funds for MAT must affiliate with an external provider capable of prescribing MAT to patients after their release and discussing treatment options.
Section 2(b)
Funding Reauthorization for Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs
This section reauthorizes appropriations for the RSUDT program, allocating $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This ensures continued federal financial support for states and local correctional facilities to implement and expand these treatment programs.