S.454 - Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.454, the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act, aims to address gambling addiction by authorizing the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to award formula grants to states. These grants will be allocated based on the existing formula used for substance abuse prevention and treatment block grants. The bill also allows the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse to award grants for research on gambling addiction and mandates a report to Congress on the effectiveness of these programs.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase funding for state-level programs addressing gambling addiction. It will also promote research into the causes and treatment of this addiction. The funding is tied to a percentage of taxes received under section 4401(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, providing a dedicated revenue stream.
Potential Benefits
- Increased resources for state-level gambling addiction treatment programs.
- Funding for research into gambling addiction.
- Potential reduction in the social and economic costs associated with gambling addiction.
- Improved public health outcomes for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- A dedicated funding stream tied to gambling-related revenue.
Potential Disadvantages
- The amount of funding available is dependent on the amount of taxes received under section 4401(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, which could fluctuate.
- States may not utilize the funds effectively.
- The focus on treatment may overshadow prevention efforts.
- The bill does not address the potential negative impacts of gambling advertising or accessibility.
- Potential for administrative overhead to consume a portion of the allocated funds.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. By addressing gambling addiction, the bill aims to improve public health and reduce the social costs associated with this issue. The allocation of grants to states is consistent with the principle of federalism.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).