Bill > HB432

This bill updates the legal definition of a "recovery house" and modifies how such houses are treated under local zoning regulations. The revised definition now describes a recovery house as a primarily non-transient dwelling that provides a substance-free living environment supporting individuals recovering from addiction, with residents living as a single household. Importantly, the bill clarifies that recovery houses are distinct from boarding houses, rooming houses, halfway houses, or licensed facilities. The legislation also mandates that recovery houses located in single-family, two-family, or multi-family structures must be treated the same as other residential uses in zoning ordinances, preventing additional permitting or review processes. To qualify for this treatment, recovery houses must either be certified or actively pursuing certification through a specified process, and must provide written notification to local governing bodies at least 30 days before beginning operations. The local government can verify the house's certification status and compliance with relevant state regulations. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, aiming to provide clearer guidelines and reduce potential barriers for recovery housing options.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0536&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB432