Reps. Foushee, Kelly Introduce Bill to Expand Mental Health Services for Individuals Transitioning from Incarceration to Free Society

WASHINGTON, DC (February 13, 2026) - Yesterday, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 to expand mental health services for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. The legislation amends the Social Security Act to mandate that state Medicaid programs cover up to 12 mental health telehealth sessions for individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid and currently on home confinement.

"If we want to reduce recidivism and give people a real chance at getting on their feet and transitioning out of incarceration, we must give them the tools to do so. Mental health support is an important part of that foundation," said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). "By addressing the underlying mental health needs that may have contributed to their involvement in the justice system, we can move beyond punishment and embrace a model of accountability with support."

"Mental health support is critical for those transitioning from incarceration back to our community," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02). "This bill is specifically for people in that transition period or in home confinement, which can often be lonely and difficult for those with mental health needs. We can set people on the right path as they prepare to reenter society with equitable access to mental health support."

The Second Chance Mental Health Access Act builds on efforts to reduce recidivism. Individuals rejoining our communities are not provided the adequate mental health support needed to ensure successful professional, educational, and personal outcomes following periods of incarceration. By expanding mental health support, this legislation addresses an essential piece to successful reentry into free society.

The Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 is endorsed by the Prison Policy Initiative.

"The Prison Policy Initiative is pleased to endorse the Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026. As we have noted previously, people on community supervision are twice as likely as the general population to have mental health support needs, yet roughly one-third report that those support needs are unmet. Home confinement, particularly when accompanied by electronic monitoring, can be especially difficult for those with mental health concerns and creates even greater barriers to accessing support. This Act takes a significant step in the right direction by increasing access to mental health tele-visits for previously incarcerated people." - Sarah Staudt, Director of Advocacy, Prison Policy Initiative.

The Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 is cosponsored by Reps. Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Troy Carter (LA-02), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Jonathan Jackson (IL-01).

The full bill text of the Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 is available here.