This bill amends the definition of a "recovery house" in RSA 153:10-d, II, changing it from a "residence" to a "primarily non-transient dwelling or dwelling unit" that provides a substance-free living environment for individuals in recovery from addiction, living as a single household. It removes the term "family-like" from the definition and clarifies that recovery housing does not include a boarding house, a rooming house, a halfway house, or any other facility requiring a license pursuant to RSA 151.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 674:17 by adding a new paragraph that mandates recovery houses located within single-family, 2-family, or multi-family structures to be treated in zoning ordinances as the respective family use they are part of, without being subject to special permitting or approval processes. It also allows recovery houses in any zone that permits inns or hotels and subjects them to the same regulations as multi-family residences. Recovery houses must be certified or actively pursuing certification and provide written notification to the local governing body 30 days before operations begin. The bill sets conditions for municipalities with existing recovery house beds, requiring an affirmative vote by the local legislative body before new operations can begin if certain bed count thresholds are met. The effective date of the act is 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 541-A:11, 541-A:16
As Amended by the House: 153:10-d, 674:17
As Amended by the Senate: 153:10-d, 674:17