TRENTON – Yesterday, the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Paul Moriarty and Senator Raj Mukherji that would better regulate sober living residences. The bill would raise standards for these homes, which house people recovering from substance use disorders, to improve safety for both the residents and the communities around them.
“As sober living homes continue to operate in residential neighborhoods, we need to have specific regulations in place that protect communities and ensure these homes are providing safe and supportive environments for individuals recovering from addiction,” said Senator Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden/Atlantic). “This bill addresses the lack of accountability in the industry. For recovery to work, these homes need clear rules that protect residents and their neighborhoods.”
Bill S-2952 amends the “Rooming and Boarding House Act of 1979” to provide expanded oversight for cooperative sober living residences. It includes provisions to increase accountability and safety at such homes, and would apply to all neighborhoods.
On-site Supervisors: sober living home operators would be required to hire qualified on-site supervisors to oversee operations and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Drug Testing and Accountability: random drug and breathalyzer testing of residents as a way of compliance with the absolute ban on alcohol and illegal drugs.
Counseling and Support Groups: provide counseling services and support peer-led meetings to support recovery.
Regular Inspections: DCA would conduct two unannounced annual inspections at each sober living home to ensure they meet state regulations.
Incident Reporting: report overdose deaths or suspected crimes that impact the safety and well-being of the residents and staff to DCA within five working days.
More significant Penalties: raises the maximum civil penalty for licensing violations from $5,000 to $25,000.
“Neighborhoods are the backbone of anyone’s recovery process, and sober living homes must operate in such a manner to not disrupt a neighborhood,” Senator Moriarty said. “This legislation will set high standards and safeguards for operating such homes to avoid harm to those residents and the neighborhoods they call home.”
Other aspects of the bill would include language:
- Requiring sober living homes to have live-in, qualified individuals to oversee the property
- Administering random drug tests and breathalyzer tests
- Encouraging counseling and peer-led meetings
- Requiring an absolute ban on any alcohol or illegal drugs
- Requiring state unannounced inspections twice a year
The bill was approved on 33-6 vote.