This bill seeks to strengthen the regulation of sober living homes and halfway houses by granting the Department of Human Services (DHS) enhanced authority to oversee these facilities as part of residential substance abuse aftercare. Key provisions include mandatory background checks for administrators and staff, disqualifying individuals with certain criminal histories from employment. The bill also requires facilities to provide written notice to residents prior to removal, with exceptions for immediate safety threats, and establishes a biweekly inspection protocol for facilities under investigation for violations. Additionally, it introduces the term "transitional sober living homes" into the definition of residential aftercare facilities and mandates that DHS publish a list of all operating facilities while notifying law enforcement of their locations and capacities.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to clarify DHS's licensing and regulatory authority over these facilities, requiring background checks for administrators, representative payees, and facility owners. Individuals with disqualifying convictions will be barred from obtaining or maintaining licenses, and refusal to cooperate with background checks may lead to license suspension or denial. The legislation also establishes a registry managed by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to track facility occupancy, which must be reported daily and made accessible to the public. Provisions for timely notification of disqualifications and immunity for facilities disclosing information in good faith are included, all aimed at improving oversight and ensuring the safety of residents in substance use disorder treatment facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2B-12, 26:2G-22, 26:2G-25, 26:2H-11.1