Bill Overview
Title: SOBER Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Department of Justice to establish a grant program to provide funding for 24-7 sobriety programs. It also directs the National Institute of Justice to evaluate the policies and procedures used by grant recipients to reduce crime, recidivism, and incarceration attributed to use of alcohol or controlled substances.
Sponsors: Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in the criminal justice system for substance-related issues
Estimated Size: 1500000
- The bill is primarily focused on individuals involved in the criminal justice system who have issues with alcohol or controlled substance use.
- 24-7 sobriety programs mainly target individuals mandated by court orders to maintain sobriety, likely due to involvement in alcohol or substance-related offenses.
- The population includes people at risk of recidivism who have been incarcerated for alcohol or drug-related crimes.
- As the grants are intended to reduce crime, it may also indirectly impact communities with high rates of substance-related crime.
- People who require rehabilitation as part of their probation or parole may also be affected.
- Given the global issue of alcohol and drug dependency, people outside of the United States involved in similar criminal justice systems could also be influenced by similar initiatives.
- The estimated global size of the population involved in the criminal justice system for alcohol or controlled substance-related issues, who could benefit from or require such programs, might be large.
Reasoning
- The target population primarily encompasses individuals involved in legal issues due to substance use, specifically those mandated to 24-7 sobriety programs.
- The policy's effect will vary considerably based on individual circumstances such as current involvement in the criminal justice system, personal histories with substances, and local access to sobriety programs.
- I included diverse perspectives, including individuals not directly impacted by the policy, to understand secondary effects.
- I considered varying degrees of policy impact based on direct involvement with related legal issues, affected communities, and individuals outside the immediate target population.
- Given the budget constraints, the distribution targets high-impact areas, potentially affecting approximately 1.5 million people across the US.
Simulated Interviews
Construction Worker (San Diego, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being part of a sobriety program keeps me accountable, which is something I really need.
- It’s challenging to stay sober daily, but having that structure helps me avoid old habits.
- The program has positively impacted my relationship with my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Unemployed (New York, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A continuous sobriety program could be a turning point for me.
- Finding stable support for recovery has been a struggle.
- I worry about access to programs, but the policy could make them more available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Small Business Owner (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe these programs could reduce local crime rates and improve community safety.
- I haven’t been personally affected by such issues but worry about their impact on business.
- Investing in sobriety programs seems like a proactive approach to preventing crime.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Social Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction for community health.
- It aligns with my work, providing more tools to help my clients.
- Collaborating with justice departments could bring broader societal benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Farmer (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sobriety programs have a massive impact, particularly in rural areas where support is scarce.
- After completing a program, I regained control over my life.
- The policy would extend critical resources to other areas in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though I’m not directly affected, this policy could help many friends struggling with addiction.
- Preventing these incidents seems like an investment in our future health.
- Colleges should support similar programs for students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone with a personal connection to these issues, I see the vital need for these programs.
- They can provide second chances and better living standards.
- Education and rehabilitation can contribute to overall community improvement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired (Seattle, WA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sobriety initiatives saved my life and can do the same for others.
- Expansion of these programs is a smart move, addressing deep-rooted social issues.
- Retirement has allowed me more time to advocate for these programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Mechanic (Detroit, MI)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A program like this could help me stay accountable and keep my job.
- It’s tough to find local resources; this could bridge that gap.
- Without support, I fear ending up in worse situations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Community Organizer (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Community-based sobriety programs could result in less crime and more stability.
- I've dedicated my career to creating safer environments and supporting such policies.
- It's about stepping in early to prevent long-term issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 100: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Key Considerations
- The program's success heavily depends on the effective implementation and monitoring of sobriety programs across various states.
- Long-term savings are contingent on the success of reducing recidivism rates.
- There is a need for ongoing assessment to ensure the programs remain effective and efficient in achieving their goals.