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Arizona Lawmakers Take Steps Toward Regulating Sober Living Homes

Some Arizona lawmakers have agreed to let the Department of Health Services regulate sober living homes.

The move comes two years after lawmakers gave cities and counties the option to register these facilities.

Several communities have done so, and Republican Rep. Noel Campbell, the bill’s sponsor, said it has had the desired effect. The bad actors, as he calls them, have moved on.

"You cannot zone out these structured sober living homes. They have a right to be there," campbell said. "But we also have a right to make sure that they're good neighbors, that they have health and safety policies in effect, that they have a discharge policy in effect so it doesn't affect the neighborhood."

Under Campbell’s more comprehensive measure, sober living homes would have to be inspected, but also have background checks on staffers.

Residents would also be tested for alcohol and drugs. The bill now goes to the full house.