A bill that would bring group homes for recovering addicts under more government oversight is one step closer to the Governor’s desk.
HB2107 passed the state senate overwhelmingly Monday.
Concerns about unregulated sober living homes have grown in recent years as they have proliferated in communities including Prescott. These homes have no government oversight other than local ordinances in some cases. The legislation would empower cities to better monitor what goes on in them and, for example, impose supervision requirements.
Those supporting the bill accuse some of the operators — especially those affiliated with treatment programs — as profiteering. However, the industry pushes back and says these regulations will violate federal fair housing laws, which prohibits discrimination against a protected class, including recovering addicts.
The bill now heads to the House.
