The state budget for 2020 includes an Employer Recovery Hiring Tax Credit. Specifically, employers will receive a credit of up to $2,000 for each person in drug abuse recovery it employs, including in full-time and part-time positions. Eligible employees are those who have worked a minimum of 500 hours for the employer, have a substance use disorder, are in a state of wellness without signs and symptoms of active addiction, and have completed a course of treatment or are being treated for the substance use disorder.

To be certified for the tax credit, employers must provide a recovery-supportive environment for their employees evidenced by a formal working relationship with a state-certified, local recovery or treatment provider. Employers must also apply for the credit by January 15^th each year for credits claimed in the previous year. Applications for the first year of the tax credit are due by January 15, 2021 for credits claimed during the 2020 tax year. A tax credit certificate will be issued by March 31^st if approved.