This bill seeks to strengthen the regulation of sober living homes and halfway houses by clarifying the Department of Human Services' (DHS) authority to oversee these facilities as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities. It introduces new requirements for background checks for administrators, representative payees, and owners to ensure resident safety. The legislation mandates that facilities must provide at least one week's written notice before removing a resident, except in cases where the resident poses an immediate threat. Additionally, the DHS is required to conduct biweekly inspections of facilities under investigation for violations.

Furthermore, the bill updates definitions related to substance use disorder treatment centers, including transitional sober living homes and halfway houses, and establishes a classification system for these centers based on the services they provide. It outlines disqualifications for individuals seeking to operate or work in these facilities based on their criminal history, while allowing for the possibility of demonstrating rehabilitation. The bill also creates a registry managed by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to track facility openings, requiring daily occupancy reporting and ensuring public access to this information. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the quality of care and safety in facilities supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

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