Bill > SB298

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for sober living houses in New Hampshire, requiring them to obtain certification from the New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residents (NH CORR) within 180 days of the law's effective date. The legislation defines a sober living house as a residential property providing a structured, alcohol- and drug-free environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, and mandates several key operational standards. These include verifying resident eligibility by confirming participation in a rehabilitation program, employing a paid house manager who is not a current or former resident to oversee daily operations, and maintaining resident records for at least three years. Municipalities will be required to verify certification and compliance as a condition for zoning approvals, and the Department of Health and Human Services will have the authority to audit and investigate potential violations. Non-compliant sober living houses will face escalating financial penalties, with a first violation incurring a $1,000 fine and subsequent violations resulting in $5,000 fines. The department may also impose additional sanctions, such as suspending or revoking certifications. Non-certified sober living houses will be ineligible for zoning exceptions or waivers, and those failing to obtain certification during the transition period may be subject to cessation of operations.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=1166&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB298