The Minnesota Recovery Residence Certification Act establishes a comprehensive certification system for recovery residences to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The bill introduces new definitions and provisions regarding the roles of applicants, certified recovery residences, certifying organizations, and the commissioner of health. It mandates a voluntary training and certification program for operators, outlines the application process, and sets requirements for documentation, inspections, and ongoing compliance checks. Additionally, the act modifies housing support eligibility, introduces criminal penalties for violations, and appropriates funding for its implementation, including the establishment of a recovery residence registry and requirements for residency agreements and background checks for controlling individuals.

The legislation also includes amendments to existing laws, such as the requirement for initial and triennial studies assessing the adequacy of recovery housing, particularly for underserved populations. It establishes sanctions for non-compliance, a complaint process with protections for complainants, and penalties for patient brokering. The bill emphasizes confidentiality regarding resident records and mandates the pursuit of federal and charitable funding. Furthermore, it exempts certified recovery residences in good standing from certain food preparation requirements and grants conciliation courts jurisdiction over residency termination disputes. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $350,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256I.03, 256I.04, 491A.01