This bill establishes new certification and operational standards for sober living houses in New Hampshire, mandating that all such facilities obtain and maintain certification from the New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residents (NH CORR). The bill defines a "sober living house" as a residential property providing a structured, drug- and alcohol-free environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. It requires sober living houses to employ a paid house manager who is not a current or former resident, and mandates that operators verify resident eligibility by ensuring individuals have completed or are actively participating in a recognized rehabilitation program. The bill also stipulates that non-certified sober living houses will not be eligible for zoning exceptions or variances and outlines a transition period of 180 days for existing non-certified houses to obtain certification.

Enforcement of these standards will be the responsibility of local municipalities and the Department of Health and Human Services, which will have the authority to audit compliance and investigate complaints. Penalties for non-compliance include financial fines, with a first violation incurring a $1,000 fine and subsequent violations resulting in $5,000 fines. The bill also includes provisions for maintaining records of resident eligibility verification for a minimum of three years and allows the Department of Health and Human Services to impose additional sanctions, such as the suspension or revocation of certifications. The act will take effect 90 days after its passage.