Sober Homes Bill Passes House and Senate
After previously passing the House, the Senate approved my sober living homes bill on the final day of the legislative session.
HB 5149, An Act Concerning Sober Living Homes, would permit sober homes certified through the National Alliance for Recovery Residences and that carry at least two doses of opioid antagonists, such as Narcan, to register with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Sober homes properly registered with the state will be listed on DMHAS’s website and updated on a weekly basis, along with information on the number of beds in each home.
This legislation will protect individuals who are looking for a safe place to stay while recovering from addiction, without restricting anyone from choosing that option. If people can easily locate certified homes, they can avoid places that may not put clients’ safety first. Torrington has seen too many overdose deaths in sober living homes, and I hope this bill will prevent other families from suffering such a terrible loss.
The bill now goes to the Governor's desk for his signature.