The Arizona House passed a bill that would update sober living home licensing requirements and increase penalties for those who violate regulations.
It would also punish health-care facilities affiliated with unlicensed homes.
Republican state Rep. Matt Gress introduced the bill, saying bad actors claiming to run such homes defrauded billions of dollars from the state’s Medicaid program.
"This will allow us and allow cities and towns to know where these sober homes are. It will allow them to inspect for zoning compliance, building and fire compliance," Gress said.
Tribal leaders have said Native Americans have been targeted and some have reportedly died. The bill now goes to the Senate.
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