DEMO Act

The DEMO Act (HR 4730) creates a federal grant program to help low-income individuals (earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level) with arrest or conviction records enter health professions. It directly affects these individuals and eligible organizations - like workforce boards, hospitals, or nonprofits - that run demonstration projects focused on high-demand health careers facing labor shortages. Projects must last at least three years, include legal assistance for participants to overcome record-related job barriers, and demonstrate state policies allowing health credentials for people with such records. Applicants must also show plans for recruiting low-income participants, providing post-employment support, and addressing workforce shortages. The program allocates $10 million for fiscal year 2024 and requires government evaluations to measure outcomes like credential attainment, job placement, and whether projects successfully address labor shortages in health fields. It takes effect October 1, 2023.