Bill > AB255

This bill establishes the Supportive-Recovery Residence Program to address homelessness and substance use disorders in California, where homelessness and overdose deaths have been significant challenges. The legislation allows state programs to fund supportive-recovery residences that emphasize abstinence, while still maintaining core Housing First principles. These residences must use a harm-reduction approach, ensuring that at least 90% of program funds are used for housing or housing-based services. The bill requires that these residences provide permanent housing, offer peer support, and follow specific guidelines such as prohibiting eviction based on relapse. Key provisions include requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development to adopt national standards for these residences, establish a certification process, and ensure that residents have access to medications for behavioral and physical health conditions. If a tenant is no longer interested in an abstinence-focused residence, the program must help them secure alternative permanent housing. The bill also mandates overdose prevention training and medication availability on-site. By creating this framework, the legislation aims to provide supportive housing options that recognize the complex relationship between substance use and homelessness while prioritizing tenant dignity, choice, and long-term stability.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB255