The Helping Incentivize Returning Citizen Employment (HIRE) Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance employment opportunities for returning citizens by establishing a tax credit program for businesses that hire formerly incarcerated individuals. Under this legislation, employers will receive a $5,000 annual tax credit for each returning citizen they employ in a full-time position, provided the employee has completed a 90-day probationary period. The program is designed to reduce barriers to employment and promote economic mobility for individuals reentering society, addressing the high unemployment rates faced by this demographic, particularly among Black returning citizens.

The bill includes provisions for oversight and compliance, with the Department of Employment Services responsible for managing reimbursements and ensuring that businesses adhere to the eligibility requirements. Additionally, the legislation mandates that qualifying employers sign a Re-entry Employment Incentive Agreement, which outlines the terms for receiving tax credits. The HIRE Amendment Act is modeled after successful initiatives in other jurisdictions, aiming to create sustainable employment pathways for returning citizens, thereby contributing to reduced recidivism and enhanced public safety in the District of Columbia.