For those members who are concerned about the location and operation of Sober Houses in your neighborhood, you should be aware that legislation regarding Sober Houses is moving in Tallahassee. Below is a summary of the legislation which deals with certification of operators. We will have an update at the April 8 General Membership Meeting.
Legislation Regarding Sober Homes Moving in Tallahassee
SB 582 by Senator Clemens and HB 479 by Representative Hager, would allow for the regulation of sober house transitional living facilities by requiring annual registration with the Department of Children & Families by sober house transitional living homes to operate in the state and provides a criminal penalty for operating without a valid certificate of registration. It defines “recovery residences,” “registrable components” and “residential dwelling units.” The registration fee is capped at $200 and authorizes the department to conduct inspections, issue, deny, suspend or revoke a certificate of registration for a sober house. Personnel of the sober house transition home would be required to comply with level 2 background screening. The bill also sets forth requirements for advertising a sober house transitional living home. Lastly, the bill provides an exemption from certification for sober house transitional living homes licensed by the department as a residential treatment facility offering level 5 treatment program or one that serves and is licensed as a community housing component of a day or night treatment facility. These licensed facilities are also exempt from the September 1, 2014, application for certification deadline. SB 582 was not heard this week. The companion bill, HB 479 will be heard in the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee on 3/31
Track Senate Bill SB582 here:
Track House Bill 479 here: