The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes governing transitional housing facilities in Arizona by establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework. It would replace the two-year term of licensure for transitional housing facilities with the specification that transitional housing facility licenses do not expire and remain valid unless certain conditions apply. The bill would also remove the restriction of transitional housing facility licensure based on bed count and require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to conduct annual inspections to verify compliance with related statutes and DHS rules. Furthermore, it would reduce the cap on civil penalties from $5,000 to $1,000 for each violation and increase the notification time for a transitional housing facility to inform DHS of a resident's death or other incidents from eight hours to one business day. Additionally, the bill would modify the definition of "transitional housing facility" and require any transitional housing facility previously licensed as a sober living home to become licensed as a transitional housing facility within 30 days of the effective date of DHS rules. It would also specify that transitional housing facilities are excluded from the definition of "sober living home" as of the date transitional housing facility rules are adopted by DHS. Overall, these updates aim to enhance oversight, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and provide better support for individuals transitioning from incarceration to independent living.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-414, 36-2061, 30-654, 32-1308, 32-2805, 36-405, 36-765.05, 36-766.06, 36-851.01, 36-882, 36-897.01, 36-1903, 36-2063, 36-4204, 35-190, 36-4201
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-414, 36-2061, 30-654, 32-1308, 32-2805, 36-405, 36-765.05, 36-766.06, 36-851.01, 36-882, 36-897.01, 36-1903, 36-2063, 36-4204, 35-190, 36-4201
House Engrossed Version: 36-414, 36-2061, 30-654, 32-1308, 32-2805, 36-405, 36-765.05, 36-766.06, 36-851.01, 36-882, 36-897.01, 36-1903, 36-2063, 36-4204, 35-190, 36-4202, 36-4201
Chaptered Version: 36-414, 36-2061, 30-654, 32-1308, 32-2805, 36-405, 36-765.05, 36-766.06, 36-851.01, 36-882, 36-897.01, 36-1903, 36-2063, 36-4204, 35-190, 36-4202, 36-4201