The proposed bill aims to establish the Community Well-Being, Recovery Housing, and Family Stabilization Act in West Virginia. It introduces a new article to the state code, which includes provisions for a non-criminal warning and referral system for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance-use disorders, or mental illness. The bill emphasizes the importance of integrating Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) with recovery housing, establishing standards for recovery housing, and supporting family recovery housing, particularly for pregnant women and mothers with children. It also mandates that violations related to public-property camping be addressed through a non-criminal enforcement process, ensuring that no arrests or citations occur.

Additionally, the bill outlines the creation of a multidisciplinary advisory team to oversee the implementation of these provisions and requires the Department of Human Services to propose rules for legislative approval. Importantly, the bill asserts that it does not authorize the criminalization of homelessness or addiction and states that its implementation will occur within existing resources, with no fiscal impact anticipated. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-9H-1, 16-9H-2, 16-9H-3, 16-9H-4, 16-9H-5, 16-9H-6, 16-9H-7, 16-9H-8, 16-9H-9, 16-9H-10, 16-9H-11, 16-9H-12